5*1  or  Pftiwn^^ 

MAR   27   1994         J 


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3X 


L^^^yf^'T.^-'^'-^^ 


In  compliance  with  current 

copyright  law,  LBS  Archival 

Products  produced  this 

replacement  volume  on  paper 

that  meets  the  ANSI  Standard 

Z39.48-1984  to  replace  the 

irreparably  deteriorated 

original. 

1993 

(00 


UNITED  PRESBYTERIAN  DIGEST. 


UlC^Jifbl  ''^  APR  26  1938    , 


PRINCIPAL  ACTS  AND  DELIVERANCES 


GENERAL  ASSEMBLY 


United  Presbyterian  Cliurcli 

OF  NOETH  AMERICA, 


FROM 


1859  to  1891. 


PITTSBURGH : 

UNITED  PRESBYTERIAN  BOARD  OF  PUBLICATION, 

53  AND  55  Ninth  Street. 

1892. 


PREFACE. 


The  General  Assembly  of  1876  appointed  a  committee,  consisting  of 
William  J.  Reid,  D.  D.,  A.  G.  Wallace,  D.  D.,  and  Joseph  T.  Cooper, 
D.  D.,  to  prepare  a  Digest  of  the  principal  deliverances  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America.  The 
■work,  published  under  the  order  of  the  Assembly  of  1877,  met  with 
great  favor,  and  has  proved  to  be  very  valuable. 

The  General  Assembly  of  1890  instructed  the  Board  of  Publication 
"  to  appoint  a  committee  to  prepare  and  publish  a  new  edition  of  the 
Digest  without  delay,  comprising  all  the  information  in  as  condensed 
form  as  will  be  consistent  with  clearness  of  expression,  and  at  the  same 
time  with  as  much  fullness  as  may  be  required,  in  its  judgment,  to  meet 
the  aim  of  such  a  book."  The  Board  requested  A.  G.  Wallace,  D.  D., 
to  undertake  the  work,  and  the  second  edition  is  now  submitted  to  the 
Church  in  the  hope  that  it  may  prove  to  be  as  acceptable  and  as  useful 
as  the  first  has  been. 

There  has  been  no  change  in  the  plan  of  the  work.  The  later  trans- 
actions of  the  Assembly  have  required  a  few  new  chapters  and  suggested 
a  different  arrangement  of  some  of  the  topics.  It  is  possible  that  a  less 
complete  exhibition  of  the  acts  of  the  Assembly  would  have  been  suffi- 
cient for  ordinary  practical  purposes,  but  the  successive  deliverances  are 
necessary  to  an  intelligent  study  of  the  sentiment  and  work  of  the 
Church. 

For  several  years  after  the  Union  the  minutes  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly were  published  in  separate  numbers,  and  were  paged  accordingly. 
But  to  secure  uniformity,  the  references  in  the  Digest  are  made  to  the 
first  volume  as  if  it  was  paged  consecutively,  as  the  other  volumes  are. 
The  paging  of  its  several  numbers  begins  as  follows  :  1859,  with  page  1  ; 
1860,  with  97  ;  1861,  with  213  ;  1862,  with  341,  and  1863,  with  page 

(v) 


Vi  PREFACE. 

473.  To  assist  in  finding  the  places  referred  to,  the  year  is  mentioned 
as  well  as  the  volume  and  the  page.  The  deliverances  are  arranged  un- 
der topics,  but  to  secure  the  greatest  convenience  of  reference  possible, 
the  index  has  been  made  very  full. 

This  edition  of  the  Digest  includes  the  acts  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  1891,  and  completes  the  seventh  volume  of  the  Minutes. 

THE  PUBLISHERS. 
Pittsburgh,  February,  1893. 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


I.    GOTEEISTMENT  A'ND  DISCIPLHSTE. 


PART  I. 


FORM  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

CHAPTER.  PAGE. 

I.  Introductory, 17 

II.  The  Church, 18 

III.  The  Members  of  the  Church, 18 

IV.  The  Officers  of  the  Church, 18 

1.  Different  Kinds  of  Officers, 18 

2.  The  Teaching  Elder, 19 

3.  The  Ruling  Elder, '.   .  19 

4.  The  Deacon, 19 

V.  The  Courts  of  the  Church 19 

1.  The  Session, 19 

2.  The  Presbytery, 20 

3.  The  Synod, 21 

4.  The  General  Assenibly, 22 

5.  The  Officers  of  Courts, 23 


PART  II, 
GENERAL  ADMINISTRATION. 


I.  The  Organization  of  Congregations, 25 

II.  The  Admission  of  Church  Members, 26 

III.  The  Dismission  of  Members, 27 

(  vii  ) 


Viii  TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER.  PAGE. 

IV.  Students  of  Theology, 27 

V.  Probationers, 28 

VI.  The  Election,  Ordination,  &c..  of  Pastors, 29 

1.  Election, 29 

2.  Ordination  and  Installation 30 

3.  Translation, 33 

4.  Dissolution, 34 

VII.  The  Election,  Okdination,  &c.,  of  Elders  and  Deacons,    .   .  34 

1.  Election 34 

2.  Ordination  and  Installation, 35 


PART  III. 


DISCIPLINE. 


I.  General  Principles, 37 

II.  Offences, 88 

III.  The  Parties  in  Cases  of  Process, ^.38 

IV..  Actual  Process, 39 

V.  Process  against  Ministers, 41 

VI.  Exceptional  Cases, 43 

VII.  Evidenck, 43 

VIII.  Sentences, 45 

IX.  Church  Censures 45 

1.  Admonition, 46 

2.  Rebuke 46 

3.  Suspension, 46 

4.  Deposition, 46 

5.  Excommunication, 47 

X.  The  Restoration  of  Offenders, 47 

XI.  Dissents  and  Protests, 48 

XII.  The  various  ways  by  which  a  Case  may  be  carried  from 

A  Lower  to  a  Higher  Court, 49 

1.  Review  and  Control, •    .    .  49 

2.  References, 50 

3.  Appeals, 51 

4.  Complaints, 52 

5.  Declinature, 52 

XIII.  Jurisdiction, 53 

XIV.  Limitation  of  Time, 53 

Forms, 54 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  JX 

II.    DIEECTOEY  FOE  WOESHIP. 

^°-'^^^«-  PAGE. 

I.   Introdcctory, go 

II.  The  Seasons  for  Worship gg 

III.  The  Ordinances  OF  Public  Wou- II,  )■ gO 

1.  The  Reading  of  ilie  Scripiuif gQ 

2.  The  Singinj;  of  Praise, gQ 

3.  The  Offering  of  Prayer, gj 

4.  The  Preaching  of  the  Word, g^ 

5.  The  Administration  of  Baptism, g2 

6.  The  Administration  of  the  Lord's  Supper g3 

7.  The  Prououncing  of  the  Denediction, g4 

IV.  The  Ordinances  of  Social  Worship g5 

V.  The  Ordinances  of  Family  Worship, g5 

VI.  I'HE  Ordinances  of  Secret  Worship, g5 

VII.  The  Ordinances  of  Extraordinary  Worship gg 

1.  Fasting, gg 

2.  Thanksgiving gg 

3.  Covenanting, g7 

VIII.  Miscellaneous, an 

1.  Sabbath  Schools, g-j- 

2.  Catechising, go 

3.  Family  Visitation, gg 

4.  Systematic  Beneficence gg 

5.  The  Solemnization  of  .Maniii^ie gg 

6.  The  Visitation  of  the  Sick 70 

7.  The  Burial  of  the  Dead, 70 


ni.    EULES  OF  OEDEE. 

Officers  op  the  Assembly  and  theih  Election 72 

Duties  of  the  SIoderator, 72 

Duties  of  the  Clerks, 73 

Quorum 7g 

Committees, 73 

Order  of  Business. 75 

Motions, 7g 

Debate 77 

Voting, 7g 

Miscellaneous,  ...  7g 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS. 


lY.     DIGEST   or   THE   DELIYEEANOES   OF 
THE  GEIsTEEAL  ASSEMBLY. 

Chapter.  page. 

I.  Amusements, 79 

II.  Appeals, 79 

III.  Appkopriatioks, 82 

IV.  Army  and  Navy, 82 

V.  Assembly  Monthly, 83 

VI.  Associate  Synod 84 

VII.  Associate  Reformed  Synod  OF  Til  i;  SoiTH 84 

VIII.  Baptism, 89 

IX.  Bible  in 'I  he  Public  Schools 90 

X.  Bible  Songs, 90 

XI.  Boards  of  the  Church, 92 

XII.  Book  of  Government  and  Disupmnv; 95 

XIII.  Brussels  Treaty 97 

XIV.  Centennial  of  the  Nation 98 

XV.  Charters, 98 

XVI.  Chinese  Mission, 99 

XVII.  Christian  Commission, 100 

XVIII.  Christian  Giving 101 

XIX.  Christ's  Second  Coming, 103 

XX.  Church  Extension,  Board  of 104 

XXI.  Church  Music, Ill 

XXII.  Church  Property. 125 

XXIII.  Clerks  OF  THE  Assembly 127 

XXIV.  Commissions 128 

XXV.  Committees, 130 

XXVI.  Confederation  OF  £vA^GKLICAL  Church hs 132 

XXVII.  Corresponding  Churches. 132 

XXVIII.  Corresponding  Secretaries 134 

XXIX.  Covenanting 135 

XXX.   Dawson's  Appeals 135 

XXXI.  Deacons, 136 

XXXII.  Delegate  Fund, 138 

XXXIII.  Digest  of   the    i^eliverances  of   the  Genkral  .As- 

sembly,     140 

XXXIV.  Donaldson's  Appeai 141 

XXXV.  Directory  for  Worship, 141 

XXXVI.  Education,  Board  OF, 143 

XXXVII.  Elective  Franchise, 152 

XXXVIII.  Evangelical  Alliance, 152 

XXXIX.  Evangelists, 152 

XL.  Evans'  Appeal, 153 

XLI.  Family  Worship  and  Instruction 154 

XLII.  Finance 154 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  xi 

CHAPTER,  PAQK 

XLIII.  Financial  Agents, 155 

XLIV.  Foreign  Missions,  Board  OF, • 158 

XLV.  Freedmen,  Board  of  Missions  to  tjie 167 

XL VI.  Free  Pews,      171 

XLVII.  Gailey's  Appeal, .  171 

XLVIII.  General  Assembly, 171 

XLIX.  Gordon's  Appeal, I75 

L.  Grant's  Appeal, I75 

LI.  Green's  Appeal, I75 

LII.  Hill's  Case, I75 

LIII.  Home  Missions.  Board  of      177 

LIV.  Hutchison's  Appeal, 190 

LV.  Indians,     190 

LVI.  Jews, 192 

LVII.  Knight?  of  Labor, 194 

LVIII.  Legacies, I94 

LIX.  Licensure, 196 

LX.  Licentiates, I97 

LXI.  Logue's  Complaint, 198 

LXII.  McCaughan's  Appeat-s 198 

LXIII.  JNIcCune's  Case, 199 

LXIV.  Manses,      201 

LXV.  Marriage  and  Divorck 201 

LXVI.  Marshall's  Appeal, 203 

LXVII.  Mathews'  Memorial, 204 

LXVIII.  Members  of  the  Church 204 

LXIX.  Memorial,  The  Limit  of, 205 

LXX.  Ministerial  Relief,  Board  of 206 

LXXI.  Ministers, 210 

LXXII.  Ministry,  Withdrawal  from  tuk 211 

LXXIII.  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly, 213 

LXXIV.  Missionary  Presbyteries, 214 

LXXV.  Missionary  Work  Among  Foreign k us 215 

LXXVI.  Missions,  Special  Fund  for, 215 

LXXVII.  National  Reform, 216 

LXXVIII.  Ordination  of  Ministers, 217 

LXXIX.  Oregon,  Presbytery  of, 218 

LXXX.  Overtures 218 

LXXXI.  Pastors 220 

LXXXII.  Pastoral  Charge, 223 

LXXXIII.  Patterson's  Appeal, 221 

LXXXIV.  Peace, i21 

LXXXV.  Prayer,  A  Day  of  Speciai 221 

LXXXVI.  Presbyterian  Churches 222 

LXXXVII.  Presbyterian  Churches  in  Lndia 225 

LXXXVIII.  Presbyterian  Historical  Socikty 227 

LXXXIX.  Presbyterian  Council,      227 


n  TAliLE    OF    CON'TKNTS. 

CHAPTER.  PAGE. 

XC.  Presbytery,  Constitution  of, 231 

XCI.  Principles  of  the  United  Presbvtl.uian  Ciiurch,    .    .  231 

XCII.  Provisional  Sessions 233 

XCIII.  Psalmody, 235 

XCIV.  Psalter 245 

XCV.  Publication,  Board  ui 246 

XCVI.  Quarter  Centennial  Commission, .  252 

XCVII.  Quota 255 

XCVIII.  Reed  Estate 255 

XCIX.  Reading  Sf.hmon.s, 257 

C,  Reform  ]\Iovkmints 257 

CI.  Reformed  Prksbyteriai^  Churcu,  General  Synod,  .  .  257 

ClI.  Reformed  Prtsuyterian  Church,  Synod 258 

cm.  Reformed  Prfsbyterian  Churches, 260 

CIV.  Reports  of  Presbyteries, 260 

CV,  Romanism 260 

CVI.  Roseburg's  Appeal 261 

CVII.  Rules  of  Order 261 

CVIII.  Ruling  Elders,     262 

CIX.  Sabbath 264 

ex.  Sabbath  Schools, 269 

CXI.  Salaries 2'*8 

CXII.  San  Francisco  Presey:  I  iv 280 

CXIII.  Secret  Societifs 280 

CXrV^  Slavery, 284 

CXV.  Smyth's  Appeal, !:85 

CXVI.  Speers'  Estate, 285 

CXVII.  Standards  of  the  Ciiurch 293 

CXVIII.  State  of  the  Country 294 

CXIX.  Statistics, 295 

CXX.  Students  of  Theology 298 

CXXI.  Sup):rintendents  of  Mission- 300 

CXXII.  Sustentation  Fund, 301 

CXXIII.  Synods, 303 

CXXIV.  Systematic  Beneficence, 303 

CXXV.  Tate's  Appeai 305 

CXXVI.  Temperance 305 

CXXVII.  Terms  of  Communion 314 

CXXVIII.  Thanksgiving  Proclamation 319 

CXXIX.  Theological  Seminaries 319 

CXXX.  Tobacco 325 

CXXXI.  Treasurers .    .  .327 

CXXXII.  Trustees  of  Congregations, 329 

CXXXIII.  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly 329 

CXXXIV.  Union   of  the   Associate  and   Assdciatk    Ri^fou.mfd 

Churches, 330 

CXXXV.  United  Presbyterian  Cni;iicn 336 


TABLE    OF    CONTENTS.  Xlii 

CHAPTEK. 

^  PAGE. 

CXXXYI.  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Oregon, 839 

CXXXVII.  Waldensian  Church, 340 

CXXXVIII    Week  of  Prayer, 34O 

CXXXIX.  Wilson's  Appeal, 34j 

CXL.  Women  Taking  Part  in  Public  Religious  Exercises  .  341 

CXLI.  Women's  Auxiliary  Board,     34I 

CXLII.  Women's  General  Missionary  Society 343 

CXLIII.  Women's  Christian  Temperan^k  Union     .  344 

CXLIV.  Worship '    '  ..^^ 

CXLV.  Young  Peopdc's  Wokk 345 

Appendix,  Home  Missions,  Board  of 347 


I.  GOYERNMENT  AND  DISCIPLINE 


PART  I. 
FORM  OF  GOTERl^MENT. 


CHAPTER  I. 


INTRODUCTORY. 


1.  Necessity  of  Govei-nment — No  society  can  exist,  or  act  for  the  ends 
of  its  existence,  without  some  form  of  government. 

The  church,  a  society  of  divine  origin,  has  always  existed  under  a 
government  of  divine  authority.  Under  the  former  dispensation,  every 
part  of  its  government  was  specifically  detailed.  Under  the  present 
dispensation,  its  form  of  government,  as  of  worship,  is  less  cumbrous, 
more  free  and  spiritual,  but  in  its  essential  principles  not  less  clearly 
revealed. 

2.  Preshyterian  CImrch  Government. — Government  by  elders,  or 
Presbyterian  church  government,  is  the  order  of  the  New  Testament. 
This  was  the  original  order  of  government  in  the  church.  It  was  the 
sole  order  under  the  patriarchal  dispensation.  It  was  an  important  and 
the  only  permanent  part  of  the  Mosaic  order.  In  the  synagogue  ser- 
vice, it  was  the  exclusive  order  of  government. 

The  first  congregations  of  the  New  Testament  church  were,  by  apos- 
tolic authority,  organized  after  the  model  of  the  synagogue;  and  by  the 
same  authority,  the  principle  of  government  by  elders  was  applied  to 
the  organization  of  the  cJiurch  at  large. 

3.  Preshyterianism  as  Distinguished  from  Episcopacy  and  Indepen- 
dency— The  Presbyterian  system,  in  distinction  from  tlie  Episcopalian, 
recognizes  the  teaching  and  ruling  elders  as  the  only  officers  of  spiritual 
authority  in  the  church,  and  the  former  of  these  as  invested  with  all  the 
official  powers  which  are  permanent  in  the  church,  and  so  of  equal  rank; 
and  in  distinction  from  the  Congregational,  recognizes  the  organic  unity 
of  the  church,  subordination  of  courts  and  ministerial  authority,  derived 
not  from  the  membership,  but  from  Christ  the  Head  of  the  church. 

2  (17) 


18  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

CHAPTER  II. 

THE     CHURCH. 

1.  Church  Visible  and  Invisible — The  church  is  the  collective  body 
of  God's  people.*  In  re.sj)ect  to  its  members  as  chosen  in  Christ,  and 
united  to  him  by  faith,  it  is  spiritual  simply  and  invisible.  In  respect 
to  its  members  as  formally  consecrated  to  God,  it  is  organic  and  visi- 
ble.! It  is  in  the  latter  sense  the  church  is  a  subject  of  formal  govern- 
ment. 

2.  The  King  of  the  Church. — The  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  Redeemer, 
is  also  the  King  and  Head  of  the  church,  and  has  been  exalted  to  be 
Head  over  all  things  to  the  church.:}:  Its  constitution,  laws,  ordinances, 
and  offices  are  of  his  appointment,  and  are  to  be  administered  solely 
under  his  authority. 

3.  Hie  Ends  of  the  Churdi — The  great  ends  of  the  church  are  the 
preservation  of  the  truth  and  ordinances  of  true  religion,  for  the  glory 
of  God  and  salvation  of  souls. 

CHAPTER  III. 

THE  MEMBERS  OP  THE  CHURCH. 

1.  Professors All  who  profess  faith  in  Christ  and  obedience  to  his 

laws,  are  members  of  the  visible  church. § 

2.  Children  of  Professors — The  children  of  such  professors  are  also 
members  of  the  visible  church.  They  are  recognized  in  the  covenant 
under  which  the  church  was  formally  organized, ||  and  which  has  been 
the  charter  of  its  existence  in  every  age  since,  and  will  be  to  the  end  of 
the  world. ^[  They  have  been  so  recognized  in  each  past  dispensation 
of  that  covenant,**  and  were  so  recognized  expressly  by  the  Apostles 
in  organizing  the  church  under  the  present  dispensation. tt 

CHAPTER   IV. 

THE    OFFICERS    OF    THE    CHURCH. 
ARTICLE  I. 

DIFFERENT    KINDS    OF    OFFICERS. 

1.  Extraordinary  Officers — At  the  oi-ganization  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment church,  were  some  officers,  of  whom,  in  their  peculiar  gifts  and 
qualifications,  there  are  no  successors.  Prominent  among  these  were 
the  Apostles,  ordained  to  be  witnesses  of  the  resurrection  of  Christ,  and 
endowed  with  miraculous  powers, ++ 

2.  Ordinary  Officers — The  ordinary  and  permanent  officers  of  the 
New  Testament  church  are  teaching  elders,  ruling  elders  and  deacons. 


*  Heb.  xii.  22,  23.  ^  Acts  ii.  46.  47.        **  Acts  ii.  39. 

fEph.  iv.  11.  IJ  Gen.  xvii.  9,  10.     It  1  Cor.  vii.  14. 

X  Ps.  ii.  6 ;  Eph.  ii.  22.      \  Gal.  iii.  IT.  ++  Acts  i.  8 ;  iii.  5  ;  1  Cor.  ix.  1 

Matt.  X.  1-8. 


THE    COURTS    OF    THE    CHUKCU.  19 

ARTICLE  II. 

THE    TEACHING    ELDER. 

1.  His  Powers — The  teaching  ehler  is  the  highest  ordinary  officer  ii) 
the  New  Testament  church.  He  is  invested  with  all  the  official  powers 
that  are  permanent  in  the  church,  ordination,  government,  teaching  and 
administering  the  ordinances.* 

2.  His  Names — He  is  called  by  different  names  in  Scripture,  to  ex- 
press the  different  relations  and  duties  of  his  otiice :  Teacher,t  in  refer- 
ence to  his  duty  to  instruct  the  people  ;  Bishop, J  in  reference  to  his 
oversight  of  the  flock  ;  Pastor, §  in  reference  to  his  entire  work  of  feed- 
ing, as  well  as  governing,  the  flock  ;  Ambassador, ||  in  reference  to  his 
relations  and  duties  as  one  commissioned  to  declare  the  divine  will,  and 
beseech  men  in  Christ's  stead  to  be  reconciled  to  God  ;  and  Minister,^ 
in  reference  to  his  relations  and  duties  as  a  servant  of  Christ  and  his 
church. 

3.  His  Duties — The  duties  of  the  teaching  elder  are  to  preach  the 
word,  administer  the  ordinances,  govern  the  church,  bless  the  people, 
ordain  successors,  and  in  general  watch  for  souls. 

ARTICLE  III. 

THE    RULING    ELDER. 

1.  His  Power. — The  ruling  elder  is  the  second  in  rank  of  the  ordinary 
officers  of  the  church  ;  his  official  power  is  of  government  alone,  and  in 
this  he  is  the  equal  of  the  teaching  elder.** 

2.  His  Duties — He  is  to  "  rule  well';"  and  while  he  may  not  officially 
labor  in  word  and  doctrine, ft  he  is  to  be  a  help  in  teaching  as  in  ruling, 
instructing  the  ignorant,  encouraging  the  weak,  reproving  and  reclaiming 
the  erring,  and  visiting  and  comforting  the  sick.Jt 

ARTICLE  IV. 

THE    DEACON. 

1.  His  Power — The  deacon  is  the  lowest  of  the  ordinary  officers  of 
the  church  ;  his  official  power  pertains  to  temporal  things.  He  has  no 
spiritual  authority. 

2.  His  Duties. — The  duties  of  his  office  pertain  to  the  temporalities  of 
the  church,  especially  the  collection  and  distribution  of  its  charities.§§ 

CHAPTER  V. 

THE    COURTS    OF    THE    CHURCH. 

ARTICLE  I. 

THE    SESSION. 

1.  Its  Members The  lowest  court  of  the  church  is  the   Bench  of 

Elders,  commonly  designated  the  Session.     This  court  consists  of  the 
elders  of  a  particular  congregation. 

*  1  Tim.  iv.  14 ;  Acts  xi.  28  ;  1  Pet.  v.  1  ;   1  Tim.  v.  17.  ff  Rom.  xii.  8. 

fEph.  iv.  11.  II  2  Cor.  V.  20.  ++ 1  Cor.  xii.  23. 

%  Acts  XX.  28.  %  1  Cor.  iv.  1.  g§  Acts  vi.  1-3. 

|Eph.  iv.  11.  **1  Tim.  v.  17. 


20  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

2.  Its  Divine  Authority. — The  divine  authority  of  this  court  is  evident 
from  the  whole  history  of  church  organization  recorded  in  the  Acts  and 
J^pistles  of  the  Apostles,  showing  that  the  first  Christian  congregations 
were  placed  under  the  rule  of  elders,  after  the  model  of  the  synagogue. 

3.  When  Rightly  Constituted. — This  court  is  legitimate  when  consti- 
tuted of  ruling  elders  alone,  but  it  is  complete  when,  in  connection  with 
these,  there  is  a  teaching  elder,  as  pastor  of  the  congregation  and  mod- 
erator of  the  Session. 

4.  Its  Moderator. — If  without  a  pastor,  the  Session  should,  ordinarily 
through  appointment  of  its  Presbytery,  but,  in  circumstances  of  special 
urgency,  may,  by  its  own  invitation,  procure  a  minister  of  the  same 
Presbytery  to  preside  and  assist  in  adjudicating  important  cases.  But 
when  this  cannot  be  done  without  injurious  delay,  the  ruling  elders  may, 
by  virtue  of  their  official  authority,  appoint  one  of  their  own  number  to 
preside,  and  proceed  to  transact  any  necessary  business. 

5.  Its  Duties The  Session  is  charged   with   the  spiritual  oversight 

and  government  of  the  congregation.*  It  belongs  to  it  to  decide  upon 
the  qualifications  of  applicants  for  church  membership, t  to  inquire  into 
the  knowledge,  character  and  conduct  of  members,  to  arraign  offenders, 
to  admonish,  rebuke,  or  suspend  them,  as  the  proper  exercise  of  disci- 
pline may  require,  to  dismiss  members  in  good  standing  with  proper 
certificates  to  other  congregations,  and  do  whatever  else  pertains  to  their 
office  in  maintaining  the  good  order  and  promoting  the  edification  of  the 
church. 

6.  How  Convened The  Session  may  be  convened  by  the  pastor,  when 

he  may  judge  it  requisite,  and  he  shall  always  convene  it  when  requested 
to  do  so  by  two  elders.  It  may  also  meet  on  its  own  adjournment,  and 
if  there  is  no  pastor,  by  an  agreement  among  the  members ;  and  it  shall 
always  meet  when  ordered  by  the  Presbytery. 

7.  Quorum In   all  ordinary  cases,  two  elders  with  a  minister,  or 

three  elders,  in  the  absence  of  a  minister,  shall  be  necessary  to  consti- 
tute a  quorum. 

8.  Records. — Every  Session  shall  keep  a  record  of  its  proceedings, 
which  shall,  at  least  once  every  year,  be  submitted  to  the  inspection  of 
the  Presbytery.  It  shall  also  keep  and  report  to  Presbytery  every  year 
a  record  of  baptisms,  of  persons  admitted  to  fellowship,  of  removals  by 
death  or  otherwise,  of  contributions,  and  whatever  else  may  be  necessary 
to  make  up  the  statistical  tables  of  the  church. 

ARTICLE  II. 

THE    PRESBYTERY. 

1.  Its  Members. — The  Presbytery  is  the  next  higher  court  of  the 
church,  and  consists  of  the  ministers  and  one  ruling  elder  from  each 
pastoral  charge  within  a  defined  district. 

2.  Ministers  Without  Charge. — Ministers  without  charge  shall  be  ac- 
counted members  of  the  Presbytery  within  whose  bounds  they  reside, 
and  shall  enjoy  all  the  privileges  of  other  members. 

3.  Divine  Authority. — The  Presbytery  is  the  essential  court  of  the 
church  in  administering  its  general  order.     The  higher  courts  are  con- 

*Heb.  xiii.  lY.  f  1  Thess.  v.  12,  13  ;  2  Thess.  iii.  6,  14,  15. 


THE    COURTS    OF    THE    CHURCH.  21 

stituted  simply  by  a  wider  application  of  the  principles  of  Presbytery. 
The  authority  for  this  court,  like  that  of  the  Session,  is  in  the  example 
of  the  primitive  church.  The  facts  recorded  in  respect  to  the  churches 
of  Jerusalem,  Antioch,  Ephesus  and  Corinth,  prove  them  to  have  been 
in  every  essential  particular,  under  an  organization  answering  to  a  Pres- 
bytery. 

4.  Its  Duties — It  belongs  to  the  Presbytery,  by  virtue  of  the  official 
authority  of  its  members,  to  hear  and  issue  complaints  and  appeals  from 
church  Sessions,  and  references  for  advice  or  adjudication,  to  admit  and 
have  the  care  of  students  of  theology,  to  examine  and  license  candidates 
for  the  holy  ministry,  to  ordain,  install,  remove  and  try  ministers  of  the 
gospel,  to  examine  and  approve  or  censure  the  records  of  church  Ses- 
sions, to  visit  particular  churches  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  into  their 
state,  and  redressing  evils  which  may  have  arisen  in  them,  to  organize, 
unite,  or  divide  congregations,  and  in  general  to  order  whatever  per- 
tains to  the  spiritual  welfare  and  prosperity  of  the  churches  under  its 
care. 

5.  Quorum — Two  ministers,  with  one  or  more  elders  duly  appointed, 
or  three  ministers,  met  at  the  time  and  place  appointed,  shall  be  a  quo- 
rum competent  to  transact  business. 

6.  Regular  and  Special  Meetings. — The  Presbytery  shall  meet  on  its 
own  adjournment;  but  when  any  emergency  shall  require  a  meeting 
sooner  than  the  time  to  which  it  had  adjourned,  the  moderator,  or  in 
case  of  his  inability  to  act,  the  stated  clerk,  has  power  to  call  a  meeting; 
and  shall  always  do  so  at  the  request  of  two  members. 

Care  must  be  taken  that  sufficient  notice  be  given  of  the  intended 
meeting;  and  the  moderator  or  clerk  (as  the  case  may  be)  shall,  in  con- 
nection with  his  notice  of  tlie  time  and  place,  specify  the  particular 
business  for  which  it  is  called,  and  nothing  else  shall  be  transacted  at 
such  meeting,  unless  by  tlie  unanimous  consent  of  the  members  present. 

7.  Records  and  Reports Presbytery  shall  keep  an  accurate  record 

of  its  proceedings,  subject  to  the  inspection  of  Synod.  It  shall  also 
report  its  proceedings  to  Synod  every  year,  with  details  in  reference  to 
students,  licensures,  ordinations,  installations,  dissolution  of  pastoral 
relations,  organization,  union  or  division  of  congregations,  and,  in  gen- 
eral, whatever  important  changes  may  have  taken  place  within  its 
bounds  during  the  year.  A  like  report  shall  also  be  submitted  to  the 
General  Assembly. 

8.  Opening  and  Closing  Exercises. — At  every  stated  meeting  of  Pres- 
tery,  a  sermon  shall  be  preached,  if  convenient,  and  every  particular 
session  shall  be  opened  and  closed  with  prayer. 

9.  Corresponding  Members — Ministers  in  good  standing  in  other 
Presbyteries,  being  present,  may  be  invited  to  sit  as  corresponding 
members.  Such  members  may  deliberate  and  advise,  but  shall  not 
vote. 

ARTICLE  III. 

THE    SYNOD. 

1.  Members The  Synod  is  the  next  higher  court  of  the  church,  and 

consists  of  ministers  and  duly  commissioned  elders  of  two  or  more  Pres- 
byteries. 


22  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

2.  Divine  Authority — As  a  Synod  is  in  fact  but  a  larger  Presbytery, 
its  authority  is  tbe  same,  and  it  is  to  be  constituted  and  regulated  in  ac- 
<;ordance  with  the  same  general  principles. 

2.  Duties It  belongs  to   the   Synod   to  hear  and  issue  complaints, 

appeals  and  references  regularly  brought  up  from  the  Presbyteries,  to 
examine  and  approve  or  censure  the  records  of  Presbyteries,  to  organ- 
ize, unite  or  divide  Presbyteries,  to  propose  to  the  General  Assembly 
such  measures  as  may  be  deemed  necessary  for  the  vi-elfare  of  the  whole 
church,  and  in  general  to  take  such  order  with  respect  to  Presbyteries, 
Sessions  and  the  people  under  its  care,  as  may,  in  conformity  with  the 
word  of  God  and  the  established  rules  of  the  church,  tend  to  promote 
the  edification,  purity,  peace  and  prosperity  of  the  church. 

4.  Quorum One-fourth  of  the  ministers  of  the  Synod,  if  from  two 

or  more  Presbyteries,  convened  at  the  time  and  place  appointed,  with 
as  many  ruling  elders  entitled  to  sit  as  may  be  present,  shall  be  a  quo- 
rum for  the  transaction  of  business. 

5.  Regular  and  Special  Meetings — The  Synod  shall  convene  at  least 
once  every  year,  meeting  on  its  own  adjournment.  On  a  special  emer- 
gency, it  may  be  convened  by  the  call  of  the  moderator,  on  the  applica- 
tion of  a  Presbytery  ;  in  this  case,  the  call  shall  be  made,  and  the  bus- 
iness limited,  as  in  a  special  meeting  of  Presbytery. 

6.  Opening  and  Closing  Exercises. — At  the  opening  of  every  meeting, 
a  sermon  shall  be  delivered  by  the  moderator,  or  his  alternate,  or  in 
case  of  the  absence  or  inability  of  both,  by  the  oldest  minister  present, 
who  shall  occupy  the  chair  till  another  moderator  be  chosen  ;  and  every 
particular  session  shall  be  opened  and  closed  with  prayer. 

7.  Records  and  Reports The  Synod  shall  keep  an  accurate  record 

of  its  proceedings,  and  submit  it  annually  to  the  inspection  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  properly  attested  by  the  moderator  and  clerk. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

THE    GENERAL    ASSEMBLY. 

1.  The  Highest  Court. — The  General  Assembly  is  the  highest  court 
of  the  church.  It  is  the  great  Presbytery  in  which  the  entire  church  is 
represented.     It  may  be  an  aggregate  or  delegate  body.* 

2.  Its  Memhers -The  General  Assembly  of  this  church   shall  consist 

of  an  equal  delegation  of  ministers  and  ruling  elders  from  each  Presby- 
tery, in  the  following  proportion,  viz  :  each  Presbytery  consisting  of  not 
more  than  seven  ministers,  shall  be  entitled  to  send  one  minister  and 
one  ruling  elder ;  each  Presbytery  consisting  of  more  than  seven  min- 
isters, and  not  more  than  fourteen,  shall  be  entitled  to  send  two  minis- 
ters and  two  ruling  elders;  and  in  a  like  proportion  for  any  number  of 
ministers  beyond  fourteen  ;  and  delegates  so  appointed  shall  be  styled 
Commissioners  to  tlie  General  Assembly. 

3.  Its  Duties The  General  Assembly  shall  have  power  to  receive 

and  decide  all  appeals,  references  and  complaints  regularly  brought  be- 
fore it  ;  to  review  and  approve  or  censure  the  records  of  Synods :  to  re- 
solve questions  of  doctrine  or  discipline  reasonably  and  seriously  pro- 

*Acts  XV. 


THE    COURTS    OF    THE    CHURCH.  23 

posed  ;  to  warn  and  testify  against  any  error  in  doctrine  or  immorality 
in  practice  ;  to  organize,  unite  or  divide  Synods;  to  establish  and  reg- 
ulate theological  seminaries  so  as  to  secure  uniformity  in  the  course  and 
-term  of  study ;  to  conduct  the  missionary  operations  of  the  church  ;  to 
correspond  with  other  branches  of  the  church  ;  and  in  general  to  adopt 
measures  to  promote  truth  and  holiness  throughout  its  bounds,  and  be  a 
bond  of  union,  peace,  concord  and  mutual  confidence. 

4.  Cases  of  Discipline ;  Special  Provision — The  General  Assembly, 
.at  its  discretion,  may  refer  appeals  in  cases  of  discipline  to  a  commission 
invested  with  its  own  authority,  or  to  an  inferior  court,  for  final  adjudi- 
cation. 

0.  Overtures. — Before  any  regulation  affecting  the  doctrine,  worship 
•or  government  of  the  church  shall  be  adopted  or  made  binding  on  the 
church,  it  shall  be  transmitted  in  overture  to  all  the  Presbyteries,  and 
be  approved  by  at  least  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  whole  church. 
These  votes  are  to  be  taken  in  the  Presbytery,  each  minister  and  ruling 
elder  in  the  Presbytery  being  entitled  to  vote.  The  vote  shall  be  taken 
yea  or  nay,  carefully  recorded,  and  reported  by  the  clerk  of  the  Pres- 
bytery to  the  General  Assembly  at  its  next  meeting.  When  a  clear 
majority  of  the  votes  of  the  whole  church  is  in  the  affirmative,  the 
General  Assembly  shall  enact  such  regulations,  unless  peculiar  circum- 
stances should,  in  the  view  of  two-thirds  of  tiie  whole  delegation  to  the 
Assembly,  render  it  inexpedient. 

6.  Quorum One-third  of  all  the  delegates  duly  commissioned,  being 

assembled  at  the  time  and  place  appointed,  shall  be  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business. 

7.  Meeting  and  Constituting. — The  General  Assembly  shall  meet  at 
least  once  every  year.  At  the  time  appointed,  the  moderator  of  the  last 
Assembly,  or  his  alternate,  or,  in  their  absence,  the  oldest  minister 
present,  shall  open  the  meeting  with  a  sermon,  constitute  the  Assembly, 
.and  preside  until  a  new  moderator  is  chosen. 

8.  Commissions. — Every  commissioner  to  the  General  Assembly  roust 
produce  a  commission  signed  by  the  moderator  and  clerk  of  the  Pres- 
i)ytery  by  which  he  is  sent;  nor  can  he,  without  such  commission,  be 
entitled  to  a  seat. 

9.  Dissolution. — Each  session  of  the  Assembly  shall  be  opened  and 
closed  with  prayer;  and  when  the  business  is  finished,  and  a  vote  taken 
to  dissolve  the  Assembly,  the  moderator  shall  say  from  the  chair:  "  By 
virtue  of  authority  to  me  delegated,  I  do  hereby  dissolve  this  General 
Assembly,  and  require  another  General  Assembly,  chosen  in  the  same 

manner,  to  meet  at on  the day  of ,  A.  D. " 

After  which  he  shall  close  the  sessions  by  prayer,  praise,  and  the  apos- 
tolic benediction. 

ARTICLE  V. 

THE    OFFICERS    OF    COURTS. 

1.  Their  Names Every  court  of  the  church  must  have  a  moderator, 

Si  clerk  and  a  treasurer. 

2.  Moderator The  pastor  of  the  congregation  is  the  standing  mod- 

•erator  of  its  Session.     The  moderator  of  the  Presbytery  shall  be  chosen 


24  GOVEKNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

for  a  year  or  for  a  shorter  period,  as  the  Presbytery  may  judge  best^ 
The  moderator  of  the  Synod  and  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  be 
chosen  at  each  meeting  of  these  courts.  The  moderator  possesses,  by 
delegation  from  the  whole  body,  all  authority  necessary  for  preserving 
good  order,  for  constituting  and  adjourning  the  court,  and  for  directing- 
its  proceedings  according  to  the  rules  of  the  church. 

3.  Clerk The  clerk  may  be  either  a  member  of  the  court  or  not,  as 

shall  be  deemed  expedient:  he  shall  continue  in  office  during  its  pleas- 
ure, and  shall  perform  all  such  duties  as  are  enjoined  upon  the  clerk  by 
the  rules  of  the  court. 

4.  Treasurer. — The  treasurer  may  also  be  either  a  member  of  the 
court  or  not,  as  shall  be  deemed  expedient,  and  shall  continue  in  office 
during  its  pleasure.  He  shall  perform  all  such  duties  as  are  enjoined, 
upon  him  by  the  rules  of  the  court. 


PAET  n. 
GENEEAL  ADMINISTEATION. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE   ORGANIZATION    OF    CONGREGATIONS. 

1 .  Congregations. — A  congregation  is  a  society  of  individuals,  agree- 
ing in  their  religious  views,  and  associated  for  the  support  and  enjoy- 
ment of  divine  ordinances,  with  some  of  them  chosen  and  ordained  to 
bear  office  and  manage  their  affairs  in  a  regular  and  orderly  way. 

2.  New  Congregations. — "When  a  congregation  becomes  too  numerous 
to  meet  conveniently  in  one  place  for  public  worship,  or  when,  for  any 
other  reason,  it  would  yiromote  the  general  interests  of  the  church  to 
organize  a  new  congregation,  the  persons  so  judging  shall  make  applica- 
tion to  the  Presbytery  within  whose  bounds  they  reside,  setting  forth 
the  necessity  or  propriety  of  such  organization.  Whenever  application 
for  this  purpose  is  made,  notice  shall  be  given  by  the  Presbytery  to  the 
Session  of  the  congregation  that  may  be  affected  by  the  new  organiza- 
tion, before  the  petition  is  granted. 

3.  Organization If,  after  hearing  the  reasons,  the  Presbytery  de- 
termines to  grant  the  application,  it  shall  appoint  a  minister  and  two 
ruling  elders,  if  practicable,  to  carry  the  object  into  effect ;  and  they, 
having  given  due  notice  to  the  persons  who  are  to  compose  the  new  con- 
gregation, of  the  time  and  place  of  meeting  for  said  purpose,  shall, 
after  the  usual  exercises  of  public  worship,  proceed  to  hold  an  election 
for  the  proper  officers. 

4.  Organization,  when  the  Applicants  are  Members — "When  the  per- 
sons who  are  to  compose  the  new  congregation  are  already  members  of 
the  church  in  full  communion,  the  election  of  officers,  whether  ruling 
elders  or  deacons,  shall  be  conducted  as  in  congregations  already  organ- 
ized. 

5.  When  not  Members. — But  when  the  applicants  are  not  in  commu- 
nion, or  are  too  few  to  afford  an  opportunity  of  making  a  suitable  elec- 
tion, the  minister  appointed  shall  first  converse  with  all  who  propose  to 
unite  in  forming  the  congregation  ;  and  being  satisfied  with  their  reli- 
gious attainments  and  character,  he  shall,  on  the  day  appointed  for  the 
organization,  publicly  receive  them  by  proposing  the  questions  herein- 
after prescribed  in  Chap.  II.,  Sec.  6.  The  election  shall  then  be  con- 
ducted in  the  prescribed  way. 

(25) 


26  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

6.  Ordination  of  Officers When  the  election  is  over,  the  minister 

shall  announce  to  the  congregation  the  names  of  the  persons  duly 
elected;  and  on  their  agreeing  to  accept  tlie  office,  and  having  been 
examined  bv  him  as  to  their  qualifications  for,  and  their  views  in  under- 
taking it,  a  day  shall  be  appointed  for  their  ordination,  the  edict  served, 
and  the  ordination  conducted  as  in  other  congregations. 

7.  Report  to  Presbytery The  presiding  minister  shall  report  to  the 

Presbytery  his  procedure  in  the  case,  with  the  names  of  the  officers  who 
liave  been  chosen  and  ordained.  And  these,  with  the  name  of  the  con- 
gregation, shall  be  entered  on  tiie  Presbytery's  li.st. 

CHAPTER  II. 

THE  ADMISSION  OF  CHURCH  MEMBERS. 

1.  Necessity  of  Care The  peace,  unity,  purity  and  prosperity  of  the 

church  depend,  in  a  great  measure,  on  the  character  of  its  members, 
and  the  greatest  care  should  be  exercised  by  its  officers  in  the  admission 
of  persons  to  its  communion. 

2.  Admitted  hy  Session. — In  organized  congregations  none  are  to  be 
admitted  to  membership,  but  by  the  Session  constituted. 

3.  Mode  of  Application. — Persons  who  desire  admission  to  the  fellow- 
ship of  the  church  should  intimate  their  desire  to  the  pastor  or  officiat- 
ing minister,  or  to  an  elder,  who  shall  converse  with  them  in  relation  to 
the  profession  and  practice  required  by  the  word  of  God,  and  the  subor- 
dinate standards  of  the  church,  and  shall  examine  them  on  their  relig- 
ious knowledge  and  experience;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  minister 
to  give  at  all  times  an  opportunity  for  religious  conversation. 

4.  Examination  hy  the  Session The  minister  or  elder   shall    then 

report  without  delay  the  names  of  applicants,  and  the  result  of  their 
examination,  to  the  Session,  that  there  may  be  time  to  inquire  into 
their  character  and  conversation.  If  any  of  the  applicants  cannot  be 
attested  by  some  member  of  the  Session,  it  will  be  the  duty  of  the  Ses- 
sion to  require  of  them  some  satisfactory  testimonials  of  good  moral 
character;  and  such  further  examination  shall  then  be  had,  as  the  Ses- 
sion may  judge  necessary,  to  determine  their  right  to  membership  as 
communicants. 

5.  Special  Cases The  same  regulation  shall  be  observed  with  re- 
spect to  applications  from  persons  of  other  denominations,  and  members 
who  have  been  more  than  a  year  absent,  and  do  not  produce  satisfactory 
testimonials,  or  who  have  been  debarred,  by  a  judicial  sentence,  from 
the  communion  of  the  church,  and  are  desirous  of  re-admission. 

6.  Manner  of  Admission Having   satisfied  the   Session    respecting 

their  knowledge,  principles,  motives  and  character,  applicants  shall  be 
received,  on  answering  affirmatively  the  following  formula  of  questions, 
in  presence  of  the  Session  alone,  or,  which  is  earnestly  recommended, 
in  presence  of  the  congregation,  viz. : 

I.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments  to 
be  the  word  of  God,  the  infallible  and  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice? 

II.  Do  you  profess  your  adherence  to  the  doctrines  received  by  this 
church  as  set  forth  in  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Catechisms,  Larger  and 
Shorter,  and  Declarations  of  the  Testimony  ;  and  do  you  approve  of  the 


STUDENTS    OF    THEOLOGY.  27 

Form  of  Government  and  Directory  for  Worship  adopted  by  this  church, 
so  far  as  you  have  been  enabled  to  understand  them,  as  agreeable  to  and 
founded  on  the  word  of  God  ? 

III.  Do  you  profess  your  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  your  accept- 
ance of  him  as  your  Saviour,  and  your  resolution,  through  grace,  to 
continue  in  the  faith  ;  to  be  subject  to  the  order  and  discipline  of  God's 
house ;  to  be  diligent  in  your  attendance  upon  divine  ordinances,  both 
teaching  and  sealing,  according  to  your  profession  ;  on  secret  prayer ; 
on  family  worship,  morning  and  evening,  unless  providentially  hin- 
dered ;  and  in  the  performance  of  all  other  duties  incumbent  on  you, 
whatever  station  you  may  occupy  in  life  ;  that  you  will  study  to  promote 
the  peace,  purity  and  prosperity  of  this  congregation,  while  you  remain 
a  member  thereof;  and  that  you  will  make  conscience  of  promoting  thf» 
cause  of  Christ  and  his  truth,  as  by  other  means,  so  especially  by  a 
holy  and  godly  conversation  ? 

IV.  Do  you  make  this  profession  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  in  reli- 
ance on  his  grace,  and  as  you  desire  to  give  in  your  account  with  joy  at 
the  great  day  ? 

7.  Exhortation — After  proposing  these  questions,  the  moderator  shall 
address  a  word  of  exhortation  to  the  newly-admitted  members,  setting 
before  them  the  importance  of  the  relation  into  which  they  have  en- 
tered, and  their  obligation  to  live  holy  lives. 

CHAPTER  III. 

DISMISSION    OF    MEMBERS. 

1.  Testimonials. — The  good  order  of  the  church  requires  that  mem- 
bers removing  from  one  congregation  to  another  shall  produce  satisfac- 
tory testimonials  of  Christian  character  and  good  standing  in  the  church. 

2.  Who  Entitled  to    Them Any  member  in   good   standing  in   the 

church  is  entitled  to  a  certificate  of  dismission  from  the  congregation  to 
which  he  belongs. 

3.  Special  Cases Members  removing  from  the  bounds  of  a  congre- 
gation, and  neglecting  to  apply  for  a  certificate  at  the  time,  are,  as  a 
general  rule,  to  be  certified  only  up  to  the  time  of  their  removal. 

4.  Limitation  of  Time — No  certificate  of  church  membership  shall  be 
considered  valid,  if  it  is  more  than  one  year  old,  except  in  cases  where 
there  has  been  no  opportunity  of  presenting  it. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

STUDENTS    OF    THEOLOGY. 

1.  Receiving  and  Training  Students As  an  able  and  godly  ministry 

is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  church.  Presbyteries  should  exercise 
the  greatest  care  in  receiving  and  training  young  men  for  this  office. 

2.  Qualifications Students  of  theology  should   be    of  good    moral 

character  and  unexceptionable  standing  in  the  church  ;  they  should 
give  evidence  of  a  saving  acquaintance  with  divine  things,  and  manifest 
an  intelligent  attachment  to  the  principles  of  their  profession,  and 
should  possess  such  talents  and  attainments  as  will  fit  them  to  prosecute, 


28  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

with  advantage,  theological  studies,  and  give  promise  of  public  useful- 
ness. 

3.  Under  the  Care  of  Presbytery — Every  student  of  theology  shall 
place  himself  under  the  care  of  some  Presbytery,  and  be  subject  to  its 
authority.  If  at  any  time  he  is  in  the  bounds  of  another  Presbytery,  it 
shall  exercise  due  care  over  him,  and,  if  need  be,  report  any  matter  in 
relation  to  his  deportment  to  his  proper  Presbytery. 

CHAPTER  V. 

PROBATIONERS. 

1.  Necessity  of  Probation — The  Holy  Scriptures  require  that  trial  be 
made  of  those  who  are  to  be  ordained  to  the  gospel  ministry,  that  this 
sacred  office  be  not  committed  to  weak  and  unworthy  men  ;  and  it  is 
right  that  the  churches  should  have  opportunity  to  judge  of  the  qualifi- 
cations of  those  by  whom  they  are  to  be  instructed  and  governed.  To 
this  end.  Presbyteries  sliall  license  probationers  to  preach  the  gospel, 
who,  after  a  competent  trial  of  their  gifts,  and  a  good  report  from  the 
churches,  may  be  ordained  to  the  sacred  office.* 

2.  When  Admitted  to  License — In  ordinary  cases,  no  student  of  the- 
ology shall  be  admitted  to  trials  for  license  until  he  has  completed  a 
course  of  theological  study  of  two  full  yeai's,  after  the  time  of  his  admis- 
sion by  the  Presbytery,  and  produced  testimonials  of  good  conduct  and 
proficiency  in  his  studies,  and  he  shall  be  required  to  spend  a  third  ses- 
sion at  the  Seminary. 

3.  Examination  and  Trials — The  Presbytery  shall  examine  each 
candidate  for  the  ministry  as  to  his  knowledge  of  the  Latin,  Greek  and 
Hebrew  languages,  of  the  ordinary  branches  of  literature  and  science, 
of  theology,  natural  and  revealed,  ecclesiastical  history  and  church  gov- 
ernment (unless  otherwise  satisfied  of  his  attainments  in  these  several 
branches),  the  distinguishing  principles  of  our  religious  profession,  and 
specially  of  his  personal  piety  and  his  motives  in  desiring  the  office  of 
the  gospel  ministry.  And  to  make  trials  of  his  talents  to  explain,  vin- 
dicate and  practically  enforce  the  doctrines  of  the  gospel,  the  Presbytery 
shall  require  him  to  deliver  before  them  the  following  exercises,  viz.: 

1.  A  Critical  Exercise. 

2.  A  Homily. 

3.  A  Lecture. 

4.  A  Popular  Sermon. 

4.  Specimens  of  Progress In  addition  to  these,  it  is  expedient  that 

specimens  of  progress  be  delivered  from  time  to  time  during  his  theolog- 
ical course. 

5.  Mode  of  License The  Presbytery  being  satisfied  with  the  exami- 
nation and  trials  of  the  candidate,  and  having  sustained  them,  and  de- 
cided to  license  him,  the  moderator  shall  propose  to  him  the  prescribed 
formula  of  questions  (see  Chap.  VI.,  Art.  II.),  except  such  as  necessar- 
ily imply  investiture  with  office;  and  if  these  questions  are  satisfactorily 
answered,  he  shall  proceed  to  license  him  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  to  preach  the  everlasting  gospel,  as  a  probationer  for  the  holy 

*1  Tim.  iii.  6  ;  2  Tim.  ii.  2  ;  3  John  12. 


THE    ELECTION,  ORDINATION,  ETC.,  OF    PASTORS.  29 

ministry.     It  is  proper  that  the  moderator  accompany  the  act  of  licen- 
sure with  a  suitable  word  of  exhortation. 

6.  Certificate — A  certificate  of  licensure,  signed  by  the  moderator 
and  clerk  of  the  Presbytery,  shall  be  given  to  probationers. 

7.  Subject  to  Presbytery. — All  probationers  shall  be  under  the  direc- 
tion and  fulfill  the  appointments  of  the  Presbytery  to  which  they  be- 
long, or  into  whose  bounds  they  may  be  regularly  sent. 

8.  Limitation  of  Time — Probationers  shall  be  licensed  for  three 
years;  if  not  ordained  at  the  end  of  this  time,  the  license  may,  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Presbytery,  be  renewed  for  two  years  more;  if  not 
ordained  at  the  end  of  this  time,  it  may  be  renewed  for  one  year  more; 
if  at  the  end  of  this  time  their  services  do  not  appear  to  be  edifying  to 
the  church,  the  Presbytery  should  recall  their  license. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

THE    ELECTION,  ORDINATION,  ETC.,  OF    PASTORS. 

Though  the  authority  by  which  the  officers  of  the  church  hold  their 
respective  offices  is  conferred  through  ordination,  their  right  to  exercise 
their  office  statedly  in  any  congregation  depends  on  their  election  by 
the  people. 

ARTICLE  I. 


1.  Preparatory  Steps — When  a  congregation  desires  a  pastor,  the 
elders  shall  convene  the  members,  that  they  may  petition  the  Presby- 
tery under  whose  inspection  they  are,  for  the  appointment  of  a  member 
of  Presbytery  to  preside  in  the  moderation  of  a  call.  They  shall  also, 
at  the  same  time,  appoint  one  or  more  of  their  own  number  to  present 
their  petition,  and  give  such  information  in  relation  to  the  condition 
and  prospects  of  the  congregation,  and  the  support  which  they  intend  to 
give  their  pastor,  as  the  Presbytery  may  require. 

2.  Time  of  Election — If  the  moderation  is  granted,  the  Presbytery 
Bhall  appoint  one  of  its  own  number  to  preach  on  a  week-day,  as  soon 
as  convenient,  in  the  usual  place  of  worship  of  the  said  congregation, 
and  to  moderate  in  a  call.  But  if,  from  any  unexpected  circumstance, 
a  large  number  of  the  people  have  been  prevented  from  attending  on  the 
appointed  day,  the  minister  may  defer  the  election  another  week,  with' 
out  a  new  order  from  Presbytery. 

3.  Moderation — On  the  day  appointed,  at  the  close  of  public  worship, 
the  minister  shall  state  the  object  of  the  meeting,  read  a  blank  call  in 
the  hearing  of  the  congregation,  and,  after  prayer  for  divine  direction, 
call  for  the  nomination  of  a  candidate;  then,  having  twice  distinctly 
announced  the  name  of  the  nominee,  he  shall  call  upon  all  who  favor  the 
nomination  to  hold  up  their  right  hands,  and  after-wards  all  who  oppose 
it.  If  there  is  more  than  one  candidate,  the  presiding  minister  shall 
take  the  vote  by  ballot. 

4.  Electors  and  Elected. — None  are  entitled  to  vote  in  the  election  of 
a  pastor  but  such  as  are  in  full  communion  at  the  time  of  the  election ; 
and  no  candidate  shall  be  considered  as  elected  who  has  not  a  majority 
of  all  the  votes. 


30  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

5.  Call  Signed  and  Transmitted — After  the  election,  the  result  shall 
be  announced,  the  blank  in  the  call  filled,  and  the  electors  requested  to 
come  forward  and  sign  the  call.  It  shall  be  signed,  first  by  the  elders 
and  deacons,  and  then  by  the  members.  Ordinary  hearers,  though  not 
entitled  to  vote,  may  sign  the  call  as  adherents.  The  call  thus  sub- 
scribed, when  attested  by  the  presiding  minister,  shall  be  transmitted  to 
the  Presbytery  by  a  commissioner  or  commissioners  duly  appointed. 

6.  When  there  is  Opposition. — If  a  minority  is  opposed  to  the  candi- 
date-elect, the  moderator  shall  endeavor  to  persuade  them  to  acquiesce 
in  the  choice  of  their  brethren.  But  if  this  minority  is  large,  and  stead- 
ily refuses  to  acquiesce,  he  shall  report  the  facts  to  the  Presbytery,  that 
it  may  judge  what  is  best  for  the  interests  and  peace  of  the  congregation. 

7.  Call  Sustained ;  Interested  Presbyteries. — The  call  must  be  sus- 
tained as  regular  by  the  Presbytery  before  presentation  to  the  candidate; 
and  when  it  is  known  or  believed  that  any  other  Presbytery  is  concerned 
in  the  matter,  information  shall  be  given  to  that  Presbytery  before  the 
presentation. 

8.  By  Whom  Presented. — No  minister  or  probationer  shall  receive  a 
call,  except  through  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  belongs.  When  a  call 
is  presented  and  accepted,  the  way  is  open  to  ordination  and  installation. 

ARTICLE  II. 

ORDINATION    AND    INSTALLATION. 

1.  Trials  and  Examination. — When  a  call  has  been  accepted  by  a 
probationer,  the  Presbytery  shall  put  him  on  trial  for  ordination.  He 
shall  be  required  to  deliver  at  least  two  public  discourses — a  lecture  and 
a  popular  sermon;  and  shall  be  examined  (as  far  as  Presbytery  may 
deem  it  necessary)  on  personal  religion,  theology,  natural  and  revealed, 
the  original  languages  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  ecclesiastical  history  and 
church  government,  pastoral  duties,  and  the  distinctive  principles  of  this 
church. 

2.  Edict The  trials  having  been  approved  by  the  Presbytery,  it 

shall  appoint  a  day  for  the  ordination  of  the  candidate;  and  shall  also 
cause  an  edict  to  be  read  to  the  congregation,  at  least  ten  days  before 
the  day  of  ordination,  purporting  that  "the  Presbytery  having  received 
a  call  for  Mr.  A.  B.,  preacher  of  the  gospel,  to  be  their  pastor,  and  find- 
ing nothing  to  hinder  his  settlement  among  them,  will  ordain  and  install 
him  accordingly,  if  no  valid  objection  be  seasonably  offered." 

3.  Edict  Returned;  Objections. — The  Presbytery  having  met  at  the 
time  specified  in  the  "  edict,"  the  person  appointed  to  serve  it,  or,  in  his 
absence,  one  of  the  Session,  shall  return  it  certified  that  it  has  been  duly 
served.  The  Presbytery  shall  then  make  proclamation  in  the  church 
that  it  is  now  assembled  and  ready  to  hear  any  objections  to  the  life  and 
doctrine  of  the  candidate.  If  no  objections  are  made,  the  Presbytery 
shall  proceed  with  the  ordination ;  but  if  any  are  made,  the  Presbytery 
shall  carefully  consider  them,  and  shall  either  sustain  or  overrule  them, 
as  their  nature  and  proof  may  render  necessary. 

4.  Fast  Day — On  the  day  of  ordination  it  may  be  expedient  that  a 
solemn  fast  be  observed  in  the  congregation,  that  its  members  may  more 
earnestly  join  in  public  prayer  for  the  Lord's  blessing  on  his  ordinances, 


THE    ELECTION,  ORDINATION,  ETC.,  OF    PASTORS.  31 

and  on   the   labors  of  his  servant  to  whom  the  administration  of  these 
among  them  is  about  to  be  committed. 

5.  Sermon ;  Narrative. — If  no  valid  objection  to  the  ordination  is 
offered,  a  member  of  Presbytery,  previously  appointed,  shall  preach  a 
sermon  adapted  to  the  occasion.  Then  the  member  appointed  to  pre- 
side shall  briefly  narrate  the  proceedings  of  the  Presbytery  preparatory 
to  this  transaction,  and  request  the  candidate  to  present  himself.  The 
following  questions  shall  then  be  proposed  to  him  : 

{Questions  for  Ministers.) — i.  Do  you  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  of 
the  Old  and  New  Testaments  to  be  the  word  of  the  living  God,  the  in- 
fallible and  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice? 

II.  Do  you  believe  and  acknowledge  the  doctrines  professed  by  this 
church,  contained  in  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Catechisms,  Larger  and 
Shorter,  and  the  Declarations  of  the  Testimony,  as  agreeable  to,  and 
founded  on,  the  word  of  God;  and  are  you  resolved,  through  divine 
grace,  to  maintain  and  adhere  to  the  same  against  all  opposing  errors? 

III.  Do  you  approve  the  Presbyterial  Form  of  Church  Government 
and  the  Directory  for  Worship,  received  by  this  church,  as  agreeable  to, 
and  founded  on,  the  word  of  God,  and  are  you  resolved,  by  the  grace  of 
God,  to  maintain  and  defend  them  ? 

IV.  Do  you  promise  to  submit,  in  the  spirit  of  meekness,  to  the  ad- 
monitions of  the  brethren  of  this  Presbytery,  in  subordination  to  the 
Synod  and  General  Assembly  ;  and  do  you  promise  to  maintain  the 
unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  that  you  will  not  follow 
divisive  courses,  either  by  complying  with  the  defections  of  the  times,  or 
giving  yourself  up  to  a  detestable  neutrality  in  the  cause  of  God  ? 

v.  Are  not  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  love  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  a 
desire  to  be  useful  in  edifying  the  church  of  Christ,  the  chief  motives 
which  induce  you  to  seek  the  ministerial  office,  and  the  pastoral  care  of 
this  congregation? 

Ti.  Have  you  used  any  improper  means  to  procure  your  call  to  the 
office  of  pastor  in  this  congregation? 

VII.  Do  you  promise,  through  grace,  to  perform  all  the  duties  incum- 
bent on  you  with  zeal  and  fidelity,  following  after  righteousness,  faith, 
charity  ? 

VIII.  Are  you  now  willing  to  take  charge,  of  this  congregation  agree- 
ably to  your  declaration  at  accepting  its  call ;  and  do  you  promise  to 
perform  all  the  duties  of  a  pastor,  to  preach  the  gospel,  not  with  entic- 
ing words  of  man's  wisdom,  but  in  purity  and  simplicity,  not  shunning 
to   declare   the  whole   counsel  of  God ;  to   catechise   and   exhort  from 

.house  to  house  ;  to  visit  the  sick,  and  to  perform  whatever  other  duties 
are  incumbent  on  you  as  a  faithful  minister  of  Christ,  for  the  convinc- 
ing and  reclaiming  of  sinners,  and  for  building  up  saints  in  their  most 
holy  faith  ? 

IX.  Do  you  make  these  promises  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  in  reli- 
ance on  his  grace,  and  as  you  would  desire  to  give  in  your  account  with 
joy  at  the  great  day  of  the  Redeemer's  appearance,  when  he  shall  come, 
and  all  his  saints  with  him,  to  judge  the  quick  and  the  dead? 

6.  Satisfactory  answers  having  been  given  to  these  questions,  the 
presiding  minister  shall  propose  to  the  people  the  following  questions, 
viz. : 


32  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

{Questions  for  the  People.^ — i.  Do  you,  the  people  of  this  congrega- 
tion, still  profess  your  readiness  to  receive  Mr.  A.  B.,  whom  you  have 
called  to  be  your  pastor  ? 

II.  Do  you  promise  to  receive  the  word,  of  truth  from  his  mouth  with 
meekness  and  love  ;  and  to  submit  to  him  in  the  due  exercise  of  his 
authority  ? 

III.  Do  you  promise  to  encourage  him  in  his  labors  for  your  instruc- 
tion and  edification  ;  and  do  you  engage  to  give  him,  while  he  is  your 
pastor,  a  competent  worldly  support,  and  whatever  else  you  see  to  be 
needful  for  the  honor  of  religion,  and  his  comfort  among  you  ? 

7.  Ordination  Ceremony Tlie  people  having  answered  these  ques- 
tions in  the  affirmative  by  holding  up  their  right  hands,  the  candidate 
shall  kneel.  Then  the  presiding  minister  shall,  by  prayer,  and  the  lay- 
ing on  of  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery,  solemnly  ordain  him  to  the  office 
of  the  holy  ministry.*  After  prayer,  the  presiding  minister  first,  arid 
the  other  members  in  order,  shall  take  him  by  the  right  hand,  saying, 
"  We  give  you  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  to  take  part  of  this  minis- 
try with  us."t  An  appropriate  charge  shall  then  be  delivered  to  both 
pastor  and  people.  After  prayer,  praise  and  the  benediction,  the  con- 
gregation shall  be  invited  to  come  forward,  and,  in  token  of  their  regard, 
to  take  their  pastor  by  the  hand. 

8.  Ordination  Without  Installation — There  may  be  emergencies  in 
which  it  is  desirable  and  necessary  that  a  licentiate  be  ordained  to  the 
gospel  ministry  without  a  pastoral  charge  ;  in  such  cases  the  questions 
of  the  formula  having  reference  to  a  pastoral  charge  must  be  modified 
according  to  the  circumstances. 

9.  Installation  of  Ministers  Previously  Ordained — Installation,  which 
is  the  establishment  of  the  relation  between  a  pastor  and  his  congrega- 
tion, shall  always  accompany  ordination  when  a  call  has  been  accepted. 
Installation  may,  in  case  of  a  minister  previously  ordained,  be  per- 
formed by  the  Presbytery,  or  a  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose, 
in  the  following  manner,  viz.  :  A  day  shall  be  appointed  for  the  instal- 
lation, and  due  notice  shall  be  given  to  the  congregation.  The  Presby- 
tery or  committee,  having  met  on  the  day  appointed,  shall  proceed  as 
in  the  case  of  ordination  and  installation.  The  member  who  pre- 
sides shall  then  propose  to  the  minister  to  be  installed,  the  sixth,  seventh, 
eighth  and  ninth  questions  of  the  formula  for  ministers  at  their  ordina- 
tion, together  with  the  following :  ''  And  all  this  you  promise  in  agree- 
ableness  to  your  ordination  engagements,  and  in  humble  reliance  upon 
divine  grace  ? "  Having  received  satisfactory  answers  to  all  these,  he 
shall  propose  to  the  people  the  questions  prescribed  in  Section  6  of  this 
Article  ;  which  having  been  answered  in  the  affirmative  by  holding  up 
the  right  hand,  he  shall  solemnly  declare  said  minister  to  be  regularly 
constituted  pastor  of  that  congregation.  A  charge  shall  then  be  given 
to  both  parties ;  and  after  prayer,  praise  and  the  benediction,  the  mem- 
bers of  the  congregation  shall  come  forward  and  give  their  pastor  the 
right  hand  in  token  of  their  cordial  reception  and  affectionate  regard. 

*  Acts  xiii.  2,  3  ;  1  Tim.  iv.  14.  f  Gal.  ii.  9  ;  Acts  i.  25  ;  2  Tim.  iv.  1,  2. 


THE    ELECTION,  ORDINATION,  ETC.,  OF    PASTORS.  33 

ARTICLE   III. 

TRANSLATION. 

1.  Propriety  of  Translation. — As  a  minister  of  the  gospel  is  by  his 
office  related  to  the  whole  cliurch,  he  may,  for  sufficient  reasons,  be  re- 
moved from  one  pastoral  charge  to  anotlier,  but  not  without  his  own 
consent. 

2.  By  the  Authority  of  Presbytery. — No  minister  shall  be  translated 
from  one  charge  to  another,  nor  shall  a  call  for  that  purpose  be  pre- 
sented to  him,  but  by  the  authority  of  the  Presbytery  of  which  he  is  a 
member. 

3.  Caution  Necessary — The  important  interests  that  are  involved  in 
the  translation  of  ministers,  and  the  danger  of  creating  jealousies  and 
dissensions,  by  which  tiie  peace  and  comfort  of  congregations  may  be 
disturbed,  render  it  obligatory  on  Presbyteries  to  j)roceed  with  great 
caution. 

4.  Manner  of  Call. — A  call  for  a  settled  minister  shall  be  prepared 
and  prosecuted  in  the  same  manner  as  one  for  a  probationer  or  minister 
without  cliarge. 

5.  Manner  of  Translation,  when  the  Minister  and  Congregation  belong  to 
the  same  Presbyhery — Before  presenting  a  call  to  a  minister  who  is  pastor 
of  another  congregation,  the  Presbytery  shall  require  the  congregation 
calling,  by  commissioners,  to  represent  to  the  Presbytery  tlie  grounds  on 
which  his  translation  is  asked.  Presbytery  shall  also  cite  the  congre- 
gation whose  minister  is  called,  to  appear  at  its  next  meeting,  to  show 
cause,  by  commissioners  or  in  writing,  why  the  call  should  not  be  pre- 
sented, and  the  translation  take  place.  This  citation  shall  be  read  from 
the  pulpit  of  that  church,  immediately  after  public  worship,  at  least  two 
weeks  before  the  meeting  of  Presbytery  at  which  the  matter  is  to  be 
heard.  If  the  congregation  sends  no  representation,  by  commissioners 
or  otherwise,  against  the  removal  of  its  pastor,  and  if  the  Presbytery  is 
satisfied  with  the  reasons  assigned  for  the  proposed  translation,  it  shall 
forthwith  present  the  call ;  and  if  accepted,  it  shall  dissolve  tlie  pastoral 
relation  already  existing,  and  translate  the  candidate  to  the  otlier  con- 
gregation. Tlie  day  of  his  installation  shall  be  fixed,  and  a  person  ap- 
pointed to  serve  the  edict.  But  if  the  congregation  whose  pastor  is 
called  oppose  the  removal,  tiie  Presbytery  shall  hear  the  parties,  aud 
after  careful  and  serious  deliberation,  either  continue  him  in  his  present 
charge  or  translate  him,  as  may  be  deemed  most  for  the  edification  of 
the  church  ;  or  it  may  refer  the  whole  matter  to  the  Synod  for  advice. 

6.  When  they  Belong  to  Different  Presbyteries — When  the  minister 
called  and  the  congregation  calling  belong  to  different  Presbyteries,  the 
Presbytery  which  has  sustained  the  call  shall  transmit  it,  togetlier  with 
a  statement  of  the  grounds  on  which  his  translation  is  asked,  to  the 
Presbytery  of  which  he  is  a  member,  that  it  may  be  presented ;  or  it 
may  authorize  the  congregation  to  prosecute  the  call  by  commissioners 
before  that  Presbytery,  and  that  Presbytery,  having  cited  him  and  his 
congregation,  shall  proceed  to  hear  and  issue  the  case,  as  before  directed. 
If  it  agrees  to  his  translation,  it  shall  release  him  from  his  charge,  and 
give  him  proper  testimonials  to  the  Presbytery  within  whose  bounds  the 
congregation  calling  lies.    This  Presbytery,  having  received  a  certificate 

3 


34  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

of  his  release,  shall  proceed  to  install  him  in  his  new  charge,  as  soon  a& 
practicable. 

7.  Reasons  for  Translation — The  Presbytery  shall  always  enter  upon 
its  minutes  the  reasons  for  translating  a  minister,  and  when  that  act  is 
likely  to  give  much  dissatisfaction  to  his  people,  a  copy  of  these  reasons 
shall  be  sent  to  them  by  their  commissioners. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

DISSOLUTION. 

1.  Authority  of  Presbytery  Necessary — As  the  authority  of  Presby- 
tery is  necessary  to  the  formation  of  the  pastoral  relation,  so  it  shall  be 
to  its  dissolution. 

2.  Applications  and  Reasons  for  Dissolution. — When  circumstances 
arise,  which  seem  to  render  a  dissolution  of  the  pastoral  relation  neces- 
sary, application  to  this  end  may  be  made  either  by  tlie  pastor  or  peo- 
ple, or  by  both  united,  and  it  shall  in  all  cases  be  accompanied  with  a 
statement  of  the  reasons  for  which  it  is  urged. 

3.  Application  by  Pastor  or  Congregation — If  the  application  is  made 
by  the  pastor,  the  congregation  shall  be  cited  to  appear,  as  in  the  case 
of  translation ;  and  if  the  application  is  from  the  congregation,  the  pas- 
tor shall  be  cited  to  appear,  and  show  cause  why  the  application  should 
not  be  granted.  As  this  is  a  matter  important  in  its  nature  and  conse- 
quences, the  Presbytery  shall  give  it  the  careful  and  serious  delibera- 
tion prescribed  in  the  matter  of  translation  from  one  charge  to  another. 

4.  If  the  Application  is  Granted If,  upon  due  consideration  of  the 

case,  the  Presbytery  shall  judge  it  for  editication  to  grant  the  petition,, 
the  congregation  shall  be  declared  vacant,  and  the  minister  who  has 
thus  been  released  shall  remain  subject  to  the  orders  of  the  Presbytery. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

THE  ELECTION,  OKDTNATION,  ETC.,  OF  ELDERS  AND  DEACONS. 
ARTICLE  I. 

KLECTION. 

1.  When  Necessary In  organized  congregations,  it  is  the  province  of 

the  existing  Session  to  judge  when  an  election  of  additional  elders  may 
be  necessary,  and  of  the  Session  and  deacons  to  judge  when  an  election 
of  deacons  may  be  necessary,  and  to  proceed  to  such  election  without 
any  application  to  the  Presbytery. 

2.  Previous  Notice When  an  election  of  ruling  elders  or  deacons  in 

any  congregation  has  been  appointed,  notice  shall  be  given  at  least  ten 
days  previously,  that  the  people  may  consult  among  themselves  and  fix 
upon  some  suitable  persons. 

3.  Nominations. — On  the  day  appointed  for  the  election,  which  shall 
be  some  week-day,  days  of  fasting  and  thanksgiving  excepted,  after  the 
close  of  public  worship,  the  moderator  shall  state  the  object  of  the  meet- 
ing, and  after  prayer  for  divine  direction,  if  the  Session  has  previously 
agreed  upon  suitable  persons,  shall  nominate  them  to  the  congregation ; 
yet  this  shall  not  preclude  the  nomination  of  others  by  any  member  or 
the  congregation. 


KLECTION,  ORDINATION,  ETC.,  OF  ELDERS  AND  DEACONS.    35 

4.  Eligible  to  Office;  Voters — In  such  election,  none  shall  be  eligible 
to  office  but  male  members,  and  none  are  entitled  to  vote  but  members 
in  full  communion  in  the  congregation  at  the  time  of  the  election. 

5.  Manner  of  Election — Nominations  having  been  made,  the  vote 
shall  be  taken.  It  may  be  taken  either  with  the  uplifted  hand,  or  in 
such  manner  as  the  Session  may  approve,  care  being  taken  that  it  be  a 
fair  and  unbiased  expression  of  the  will  of  the  people;  and  no  person 
shall  be  considered  as  elected,  unless  he  has  a  majority  of  the  whole 
number  of  votes. 

6.  Result  of  Election. — The  result  of  the  election  shall  be  publicly 
announced  by  the  moderator,  and  if  it  is  in  a  vacant  congregation,  he 
shall  make  report  of  it  to  the  Presbytery,  as  in  the  case  of  organization. 

ARTICLE  II. 

ORDINATION  AND  INSTALLATION. 

1.  Examination. — Before  the  ordination  of  ruling  elders  and  deacons» 
the  Session  shall  meet  to  examine  the  persons  elect  as  to  their  accept- 
ance of  the  office,  their  views  in  undertaking  it,  and  their  qualifications 
for  it. 

2.  Previous  Notice. — The  persons  elected  having  been  approved,  and 
haying  declared  their  willingness  to  accept  the  office,  a  day  shall  be  ap- 
pointed for  their  ordination,  and  at  least  ten  days'  notice  shall  be  given 
to  the  congregation. 

3.  Edict. — The  public  notice  of  such  an  appointment  shall  be  ac- 
companied with  the  serving  of  an  edict,  which  is  a  public  intimation 
that  if  any  person  has  anything  to  object  against  the  faith  or  conversa- 
tion of  any  of  the  officers  elect,  such  objection  shall  be  given  in  by  a 
specified  time,  otherwise  the  ordination  shall  take  place. 

4.  ne  Ceremony  of  Ordination. — If  no  valid  objection  is  offered,  the 
presiding  minister  shall,  after  sermon,  briefly  narrate  the  proceedings 
already  had,  and  the  candidates  for  ordination  presenting  themselves 
before  the  congregation,  he  shall  propose  to  them  the  following  ques- 
tions : 

I.  Do  you  believe  the  Holy  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ments to  be  the  word  of  the  living  God,  the  infallible  and  only  rule  of 
faith  and  practice  ? 

II.  Do  you  believe  and  acknowledge  the  doctrines  professed  by  this 
church,  contained  in  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Catechisms,  Larger  and 
Shorter,  and  the  Declarations  of  the  Testimony,  as  agreeable  to,  and 
founded  on,  the  word  of  God ;  and  are  you  resolved,  through  divine 
grace,  to  maintain  and  adhere  to  the  same  against  all   opposing  errors? 

III.  Do  you  approve  the  Presbyterial  Form  of  Church  Government 
and  the  Directory  for  Worship,  received  by  this  church,  as  agreeable  to, 
and  founded  on,  the  word  of  God  ;  and  are  you  resolved,  by  the  grace 
of  God,  to  maintain  and  defend  them  ? 

iv.  Do  you  promise  to  submit,  in  the  spirit  of  meekness,  to  the  ad- 
monitions of  the  brethren  of  this  Session,  in  subordination  to  the  Pres- 
bytery, Synod  and  General  Assembly ;  and  do  you  promise  to  maintain 
the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace,  that  you  will  not  follow  di- 
visive courses,  either  by  complying  with  the  defections  of  the  times,  or 
giving  yourself  up  to  a  detestable  neutrality  in  the  cause  of  God  ? 


36  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

V.  Are  not  zeal  for  the  glory  of  God,  love  to  the  Lord  Jesus,  and  a 
desire  to  be  useful  in  edifying  the  church  of  Christ,  the  chief  motives 
which  induce  you  to  accept  the  otfice  of  ruling  elder  [or  deacon]  in  this 
congregation  ? 

VI.  Have  you  used  any  improper  means  to  procure  your  call  to 
the  office  of  ruling  elder  [or  deacon]  in  this  congregation  ? 

VII.  Do  you  promise,  through  grace,  to  perform  all  the  duties  incum- 
bent on  you  with  zeal  and  fidelity,  following  after  righteousness,  faith, 
charity  ? 

VIII.  (^For  Ruling  Elders.) — Do  you  now  accept  the  call  to  the  office 
of  ruling  elder  in  this  congregation,  agreeably  to  your  former  declaration ; 
and  do  you  promise,  through  grace,  diligently  to  discharge  the  duties  of 
that  office,  to  be  faithful  and  impartial  in  the  exercise  of  discipline,  and 
to  be  punctual  in  attending  the  meetings  of  Session,  and  superior  judica- 
tories, as  you  may  be  required  ? 

IX.  {For  Deacons.) — Do  you  now  accept  the  call  to  the  office  of 
deacon  in  this  congregation,  agreeably  to  your  declaration  ;  and  do  you 
promise  to  attend  to  the  wants  of  the  poor  with  Christian  meekness  and 
tenderness,  and  to  manage  all  such  temporalities  of  the  church  as  may 
be  committed  to  your  care  with  diligence  and  fidelity,  according  to  the 
concurrent  advice  and  directions  of  the  Session  ? 

X.  {For  Elders  and  Deacons.) — Do  you  make  these  promises  as  in  the 
presence  of  God,  in  reliance  on  his  grace,  and  as  you  would  desire  to 
give  in  your  account  with  joy  at  the  great  day  of  the  Redeemer's  ap- 
pearance, when  he  shall  come,  and  all  his  saints  with  him,  to  judge  the 
quick  and  the  dead  ? 

These  being  satisfactorily  answered,  he  shall  propose  to  the  members 
of  the  congregation  the  following  questions  : 

Do  you,  the  members  of  this  congregation,  adhere  to  your  choice  of, 
and  receive  this  brother  as  a  ruling  elder  [or  deacon]  ;  and  do  you 
promise  to  yield  him  all  that  honor,  encouragement  and  obedience,  in 
the  Lord,  to  which  his  office  entitles  him?  The  members  of  the  con- 
gregation having  answered  this  question  in  the  affirmative,  by  holding 
up  their  right  hands,  the  moderator  shall  proceed  to  set  apart  the  candi- 
didates  by  prayer  and  the  laying  on  of  the  hands  of  the  Session.  After 
prayer  he  shall  exhort  both  officers  and  people  to  their  respective  duties. 

5.  Recognition  of  the  New  Officers. — At  the  close  of  the  service  it  is 
proper  that  the  officers  of  the  congregation,  in  presence  of  the  peo- 
ple, take  the  newly  ordained  officers  by  the  hand,  saying,  "  We  give 
unto  you  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  to  take  part  of  this  office  with 
us."  And  before  the  Session  adjourns,  a  record  of  the  ordination  shall 
be  inserted  in  the  minutes. 

6.  Officers  Removing  to  Another  Congregation — An  elder  or  deacon 
removing  from  his  own  into  another  congregation,  and  presenting  satis- 
factory testimonials  of  his  personal  and  official  conduct,  may,  if  approved 
by  the  Session,  and  duly  elected  by  the  congregation,  be  installed  as  an 
^Ider  or  deacon  without  a  new  ordination. 

7.  Reported  to  Presbytery. — A  list  of  officers  in  every  congregation, 
•with  the  time  of  their  ordination,  is  to  be  given  by  the  minister  to  the 
Presbytery. 


V. 


PART  III. 
DISCIPLINE. 

CHAPTER  I. 

GENERAL    PRINCIPLES. 

1.  Definition. — Discipline  is  the  exercise  of  that  authority  with 
■which  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  clothed  the  officers  of  his  church  to 
deal  with  offenders  according  to  the  laws  which  he  has  given  in  his 
word.* 

2.  Necessity  and  Objects — Discipline  is  necessary,  because  in  the  im- 
perfect and  mingled  slate  of  the  visible  church,  disorders  will  arise,  not 
only  among  carnal  professors,  but  also  from  remaining  corruption 
among  the  truly  gracious.f  Its  object  is  to  vindicate  the  honor  and 
authority  of  Jesus  Christ, J  to  maintain  the  purity  of  his  ordinances  and 
of  his  truth, §  to  avert  judgments  which  are  threatened  on  account  of 
offenses  connived  at,||  to  preserve  the  cause  of  God  for  posterity,^  to 
reclaim  offenders,**  to  warn  others  that  they  may  fear, ft  and,  in  gen- 
eral, to  preserve  and  promote  the  purity,  peace  and  edification  of  the 
church. 

3.  Ground  of  Discipline An  offence  is  any  thing  in  the  avowed  be- 
lief or  in  the  practice  of  a  church  member  which  is  contrary  to  the 
word  of  God  and  the  standards  of  the  church,  or  which  in  its  nature 
and  circumstances  is  calculated  to  lead  others  into  sin.+J 

4.  Necessity  of  Fidelity  and  Wisdom, — Discipline  recjuires,  in  the 
office-bearers  of  the  church,  not  only  fidelity  and  firmness,  but  also  ten- 
derness and  moderation,  wisdom  an"d  discrimination.  Scandals  of  the 
same  kind  cannot  always  be  treated  in  the  same  manner,  in  consequence 
of  the  different  circumstances  that  may  attend  them,  rendering  them 
more  or  less  offensive. §§ 

5.  Baptized  Members. — All  baptized  persons,  being  members  of  the 
church,  are  under  its  care,  and  subject  to  its  authority  and  discipline, 
and,  having  attained  the  years  of  discretion,  are  bound  to  perform  all 
the  duties  of  church  members. 

*Acts  zv.  25-29;  Rev.  ii.  2,  3.  ||  Rev.  ii.  5-16.  J  J  Rom.   xiv.    13,   20,    21  ; 

■   fMatt.  xviil.  7,  15-17.  1[  Ps.  Ixxviii.  5-8.  Rev.  ii.  14. 

J  Ezek.  xxii.  26  ;  xliv.  6-8.  **  1  Cor.  v.  5.  §?  1  Tim.  i.  20  ;  Gal.  v.  12  ; 

I  Rev.  ii.  2,  3.  tt  1  Tim.  v.  20.  Jude  22,  23. 

(37) 


38  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

CHAPTER  IT. 

OFFENCES. 

1.  Different  Kinds Oflfences  are  either  personal  or  general,  and  may 

be  either  private  or  public  ;  and  the  procedure  will  vary  in  some  re- 
spects, in  reference  to  these  several  classes. 

2.  Personal;  General A  personal  offence  is  a  violation  of  the  divine 

law,  considered  in  the  character  of  a  wrong  or  injury  done  to  an  indi- 
vidual, or  to  individuals.  A  general  offience  is  any  heresy  or  immorality 
having  no  personal  relation,  or  apart  from  it. 

3.  Private;  Public Private  offences  are  such  as  are  known  only  to 

an  individual,  or,  at  most,  to  a  few  persons.  Public  offences  are  such 
as  are  generally  known,  or  are  known  to  many  persons. 

CHAPTER  III. 

THE  PARTIES  IN  CASES  OF  PROCESS. 

1.  Personal  Offences In    cases    of    personal    offences,    the    injured 

party,  whether  tiie  offence  be  public  or  private,  must  use  the  means 
prescribed  by  our  Lord*  for  bringing  the  offender  to  a  sense  of  his 
error,  and  effecting  a  reconciliation,  before  he  can  be  admitted  as  a 
prosecutor.  Failure  to  comply  with  our  Lord's  direction,  by  any  one 
lodging  information  against  another,  is  itself  an  offence  subjecting  the 
informer  to  censure.  As,  however,  the  interests  of  religion  may  re- 
quire a  judicial  investigation  of  a  personal  offence  as  general,  the  settle- 
ment of  the  matter  between  the  parties  shall  not  preclude  a  church  court 
from  investigating  it. 

2.  Private  Offences. — In  all  cases  of  private  offences,  he  to  whom 
they  are  known  is  bound  to  use  the  above  named  private  means  for  the 
removal  of  the  scandal,  and  no  one  can  be  admitted  as  an  accuser  who 
has  not  complied  with  this  rule.  "Where  a  private  offence  is  known  only 
to  an  individual,  and  is  therefore  not  susceptible  of  legal  proof,  it  is, 
after  serious  and  close  dealing,  to  be  left  between  God  and  the  offender's 
conscience. 

3.  General  Offences. — General  offences  mfiy  be  brought  before  a 
court  either  by  an  individual  ap])earing  as  an  accuser,  and  undertaking 
to  substantiate  the  charge  ;  or  by  information,  where  the  informer  de- 
clines to  appear  as  a  prosecutor  ;  or  by  common  fame. 

4.  Prosecutions  by  Common  Fame In  prosecutions  by  common  fame, 

the  previous  steps  required  by  our  Lord  in  relation  to  personal  offences, 
are  not  necessary  ;  yet  circumstances  may  be  such  as  to  render  it  proper 
for  the  court  to  appoint  a  committee  of  inquiry,  in  order  to  ascertain 
whether  the  case  is*  such  as  requires  judicial  investigation  and  can  be 
prosecuted  to  conviction,  and  also  to  converse  with  the  offender,  and 
endeavor  to  bring  him  to  a  sense  of  his  sin,  without  actual  process. 

5.  Caution  Necessary Taking  up  charges  on  the  ground  of  common 

fame,  requires  caution  and  prudence  on  the  part  of  the  court,  inasmuch 
as  it  is  not  every  report  that  amounts  to  this.     It  must  first  be  deter- 


*  Matt,  xviii.  15-17. 


ACTUAL    PROCESS.  39 

•mined  that  a  common  fame  really  exists  ;  and  no  rumor  is  to  be  re- 
garded as  such,  unless  it  specifies  some  particular  sin  or  sins,  and  is 
general,  or  widely  spread,  not  transient,  but  permanent,  is  generally 
believed,  and  accompanied  with  a  strong  presumption  of  truth. 

6.  Rumors As,  however,  a  rumor  may  exist,  not  amounting  to  com- 
mon fame,  affecting  the  character  of  an  individual,  the  person  affected 
thereby  may  request  a  judical  investigation  for  his  own  vindication,  and 
it  may  be  proper  for  the  court  to  grant  the  request. 

7.  Informer. — In  cases  taken  up  on  information,  the  name  of  the  in- 
former may  be  withheld  at  the  discretion  of  the  court ;  but  if  the  inno- 
cence of  the  party  accused  is  clearly  made  out,  the  court  shall  inquire 
whether  the  informer  acted  through  malice,  or  imprudence,  or  other- 
wise, and  deal  with  him  accordingly. 

8.  Prosecutor In  all  cases  of  process  on  the  ground  of  common  fame, 

or  by  information,  where  the  informer  refuses  to  appear,  the  court  may 
-appoint  one  of  its  members  to  act  as  prosecutor  in  the  management  of 
the  case.     A  Session  may  appoint  any  person  under  its  jurisdiction. 

9.  Form  of  Charges  ;  Libel;  Complaint. — All  charges  must  be  drawn 
up  in  the  form  of  libel  or  complaint.  A  libel  is  a  written  charge  pre- 
ferred against  an  individual  or  individuals,  in  argumentative  form.  It 
first  specifies  the  offence  as  censurable,  and  cites  authorities  from  Scrip- 
ture and  the  standards  of  the  church  to  prove  this;  then  charges  the 
offence  in  point  of  fact  on  the  accused  by  name,  including  the  names  of 
witnesses,  and,  as  far  as  practicable,  a  specification  of  time  and  place, 
and  concludes  with  the  inference  that  he  ought  to  be  censured.  A  com- 
plaint differs  from  this  in  omitting  the  first  part ;  in  other  respects  it  is 
the  same,  and,  as  the  relevancy  of  the  charge  must  be  determined  by 
the  court,  the  latter  form  is  sufficient  in  all  ordinary  cases. 

10.  Parties The  original  and  only  parties  to  a  trial  are  the  accuser 

and  the  accused ;  and  in  cases  where  the  court  appoints  the. accuser,  he 
shall  exercise  all  the  rights  of  an  original  party.  These  parties  shall  be 
known  in  the  appellate  courts  as  the  appellant  and  appellee. 

11.  Responsibility  of  an  Accuser. — In  receiving  the  charges,  no  per- 
son can  be  admitted  as  an  accuser  who  is  known  to  indulge  an  evil 
spirit  toward  the  accused,  is  not  of  good  fame,  is  under  process  or  cen- 
sure ;  and  great  caution  should  be  exercised  where  the  accuser  is  rash, 
litigious  or  imprudent.  Persons  who  appear  as  accusers,  or  who  under- 
take to  substantiate  a  charge,  shall  be  held  subject  to  censure  if  they 
fail  in  proof,  unless  it  appears  that  there  were  strong  presumptions  of 
the  guilt  of  the  accused. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

ACTUAL    PROCESS. 

1.  Charge  Tabled  and  Citations  Issued.— When  all  other  means  of  re- 
moving an  offence  have  failed,  the  court  shall  judicially  take  it  into 
consideration.  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  court,  when  a  libel  or  com- 
plaiHt  has  been  tabled,  no  further  proceedings  shall  be  had,  unless  by 
•consent  of  parties,  than  to  furnish  the  accused  with  a  copy  of  the  libel 
■or  complaint  and  a  list  of  the  witnesses  annexed,  and  to  cite  all  con- 
cerned to  appear  at  its  next  meeting.     Notice   shall  be   given   to  the 


40  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

parties  and  witnesses  at  least  ten  days  before  the  meeting;  but  if  the 
parties  are  present  when  the  charge  is  received,  and  the  time  and  place 
of  trial  appointed,  that  shall  be  held  as  sufficient  citation  and  notifica- 
tion. 

2.  When  the  Accused  is  Absent. — If  the  accused  party  is  absent  when 
the  charge  is  received  and  trial  appointed,  a  citation  with  notification 
of  time  and  place  of  trial,  and  a  list  of  witnesses,  shall  be  put  into  hia 
hands,  or  left  at  the  usual  place  of  his  residence,  by  some  suitable  per- 
son appointed  for  the  purpose.  Citations  shall  also  be  issued  to  such 
witnesses  as  the  accused  shall  name,  who  are  members  of  the  churcli,  ta 
appear  on  his  behalf.  Other  persons  can  only  be  requested  to  attend. 
All  citations  shall  be  signed  in  the  name  of  the  court  by  the  clerk,  and 
by  the  moderator,  if  convenient. 

3.  Charges  Must  be  Specific. — In  drawing  up  charges,  that  justice 
may  be  done,  it  is  important  that  times,  places  and  circumstances  should 
be  particularly  stated ;  and  every  libel  or  complaint,  except  those 
founded  on  common  fame,  must  be  thus  specific. 

4.  A  Second  Citation. — If  an  accused  person  neglects  or  refuses  to 
obey  the  citation,  he  shall  be  cited  a  second  time,  with  notification  that 
if  he  does  not  appear,  or  send  a  sufficient  excuse,  the  court  will  pro- 
ceed to  trial,  as  if  he  was  present,  and  also  censure  him  for  his  con- 
tumacy. 

5.  Time  Allowed. — While  the  time  intervening  between  the  first  cita- 
tion of  an  accused  person  and  the  meeting  of  the  court  at  which  he  is  to 
appear,  must  be  at  least  ten  days,  tiie  time  allowed  on  the  subsequent 
citation  is  at  the  discretion  of  the  court;  provided  that  it  is  sufficient 
for  a  convenient  compliance. 

6.  Citations  Must  be  Served. — The  court  shall  ascertain  that  its  cita- 
tions have  been  duly  served  before  proceeding  to  trial;  and  especially 
before  it  judges  a  pei'son  guilty  of  contumacy  or  infiicts  any  censure 
for  it. 

7.  Admissibility  of  the  Charges. — Before  proceeding  to  trial,  the  first 
point  to  be  determined  is,  the  admissibility  of  the  charges.  In  most 
cases  this  will  have  been  done  before  the  citation  of  the  accused,  yet  a& 
he  has  a  right  to  be  heard  on  that  point,  and  may  not  have  been  present 
to  plead  to  it,  it  ought  not  to  be  regarded  as  definitely  settled  until  the 
accused  is  heard.  If  the  chai'ges  are  judged  inadmissible,  all  further 
proceedings  cease. 

8.  Relevancy  of  the  Libel. — The  first  thing  to  be  considered  in  the 
trial  is  the  relevancy  of  the  libel ;  that  is,  whether  the  charges,  if 
proved,  are  censurable.  On  this,  the  accused,  if  present,  has  a  right  to 
be  heard,  but  not  in  making  a  plea  against  the  principles  of  his  public 
profession.  If,  on  careful  consideration,  the  charges  are  found  not 
relevant,  all  further  proceedings  must  terminate;  but  if  sustained  as 
relevant,  the  accused  is  to  be  interrogated  as  to  the  matters  of  fact.  If 
he  admits  them,  the  way  is  open  for  a  decision;  but  if  he  denies  them^ 
the  court  shall  proceed  with  the  trial. 

9.  Examination  of  Witnesses The  witnesses  shall  be  examined  in 

presence  of  the  accused,  or  at  least  after  he  has  received  due  citation  to 
attend;  and  he  shall  be  permitted  to  cross-examine  them,  and  to  ask. 
any  question  tending  to  his  own  exculpation.     After  all  the  evidence 


PROCESS    AGAINST    MINISTERS.  41 

has  been  taken  in  confirmation  of  the  charge,  the  accused  shall  intro- 
duce whatever  rebutting  or  extenuating  evidence  he  has  to  offer. 

10.  Parties  Heard  and  Judgment  Given.— \^hen  the  testimony  is 
closed,  the  prosecutor  shall  be  heard  first,  and  then  the  accused,  and  the 
court  shall  decide  whether  either  party  shall  have  an  opportunity  of 
being  further  heard.  The  parties  being  removed,  the  court  shall  pro- 
ceed to  examine  and  weigh  the  testimony,  and  give  judgment  accord- 
ingly. 

11.  Records  and  Copies — The  judgment  shall  be  regularly  entered 
on  the  records  of  the  court,  and  the  parties  shall  be  allowed  copies  of 
the  whole  proceedings,  at  their  own  expense,  if  they  demand  them;  and 
in  case  of  the  removal  of  a  cause  to  a  higher  court,  the  lower  shall  send 
up  a  complete  autlienticated  copy  of  the  whole  record. 

12.  Puhlication  of  Sentence — The  sentence,  if  it  is  thought  necessary 
to  publish  it,  shall  be  published  in  the  church  or  churches  immediately 
concerned ;  but  when  the  ends  of  public  edification  can  be  as  well  an- 
swered, private  censure  is  to  be  preferred. 

13.  Temporary  Suspension — As  cases  may  arise  in  which  a  consider- 
able time  may  intervene  before  it  is  practicable  to  commence  process, 
the  Session  may,  in  such  cases,  if  thought  necessary  to  edification,  pre- 
vent the  accused  from  approaching  tiie  Lord's  table  until  the  charges 
against  him  can  be  examined.  And  if  an  individual  is  evading  process, 
the  court  shall  entei-  ihat  fact  on  its  records,  together  with  the  nature 
of  the  offence  charged,  and  shall  suspend  him  from  all  church  privileges 
until  he  appears  before  llie  court  and  answers  to  the  charges  against 
him. 

14.  An   Offence  not  Charged,  hut  Proved If  the  testimony,  taken 

during  the  trial,  proves  a  sin  properly  denominated  by  another  name 
than  that  designated  in  the  libel,  while  the  specific  charge  of  the  libel 
must  be  found  not  proved,  the  accused  may  be  found  guilty  of  that 
which  appears  in  proof;  but  sentence  shall  not  be  passed  until  further 
time  shall  be  given  him  for  defence,  if  he  demands  it  and  justice  re- 
quires it. 

15.  Counsel, — No  professional  counsel  shall  be  permitted  to  appear 
and  plead  in  cases  of  process  in  any  ecclesiastical  court;  but  an  accused 
person  may,  if  he  desires  it,  be  represented  by  any  member  of  the 
church,  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  court  before  which  he  appears. 
The  person  so  employed,  if  a  member  of  the  court,  shall  not  be  allowed, 
after  pleading  the  cause  of  the  accused,  to  sit  in  judgment  on  the  case. 

16.  Pull  Records. — The  record  of  the  proceedings,  in  cases  of  judicial 
process,  shall  exhibit  not  only  the  charges,  specifications  and  sentence 
of  the  court,  but  all  the  testimony  and  all  the  circumstances  which  had 
an  influence  on  its  judgment;  and  nothing  which  is  not  contained  in 
the  record  shall  be  taken  into  consideration  in  reviewing  the  proceed- 
ings in  a  higher  court. 

CHAPTER  V. 

PROCESS    AGAINST    MINISTERS. 

1.  Necessity  of  Faithfulness. — As  the  honor  and  success  of  the  gospel 
depend,  in  a  great  measure,  on  the  character  of  its  ministers,  Presby- 


42  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

teries  ought  not,  on  account  of  their  office,  to  screen  them  from  justice 
or  deal  lightly  with  their  offisnces,  on  the  one  hand,  nor,  on  the  other, 
ought  scandalous  charges  to  be  received  against  them  on  frivolous 
grounds. 

2.  Process    Commenced Process  against  a  minister  or  probationer 

shall  be  entered  before  the  Presbytery  to  which  he  belongs,  and  the 
rules  of  procedure  laid  down  in  Chap.  IV.  are  to  be  strictly  ol)served. 

3.  When  the  Offence  Occurred  without  the  Bounds  of  His  Own  Presby- 
tery.— If  the  offence  with  which  a  minister  or  probationer  is  charged 
occurred  without  the  bounds  of  his  own  Presbytery,  that  Presbytery 
shall  send  notice  to  the  Presbytery  within  whose  bounds  it  did  occur, 
and  request  it  either  to  cite  the  witnesses  to  appear  at  the  place  of  trial, 
if  within  convenient  distance,  or,  if  not.  to  examine  the  witnesses  and 
transmit  an  authentic  record  of  their  testimony  ;  always  giving  due  no- 
tice to  the  accused  person  of  the  time  and  place  of  such  examination. 

4.  When  Not  Likely  to  he  Known  to  His  Presbytery. — When  a  minis- 
ter is  guilty  of  an  offence  committed  at  such  a  distance  from  the  place 
of  his  residence  that  it  is  not  likely  to  become  known  to  the  Presbytery 
to  which  he  belongs,  it  shall  be  tlie  duty  of  the  Presbytery  in  whose 
bounds  the  offence  was  committed,  after  being  satisfied  that  there  is 
sufficient  ground  of  accusation,  to  send  notice  to  the  former,  which  is  to 
proceed  against  him,  either  by  requesting  the  latter  to  take  the  testi- 
mony, as  in  preceding  section,  or  by  sending  a  commissioner  for  this 
purpose.     In  either  case,  due  notice  must  be  given  to  the  accused  party. 

5.  Accuser  Responsible. — Process  shall  not  be  commenced  against  a 
minister  unless  at  the  instance  of  a  responsible  party  who  undertakes  to 
prove  the  charge;  or  unless  common  fame  so  proclaims  the  scandal  that 
the  Presbytery  finds  it  necessary  to  investigate  the  charge.  And  when 
there  is  a  prosecutor,  he  shall  be  previously  informed  that  if  he  fails  to 
show  probable  cause  for  the  charge,  he  must  himself  be  censured  as  a 
slanderer  of  the  gospel  ministry. 

6.  Private  Steps. — Persons  aggrieved  by  ministers  are  required  to 
acquaint  them  with  their  grievances  in  private,  wliether  the  offences 
have  been  public  or  private,  and,  failing  to  obtain  satisfaction,  to  apply 
to  some  other  minister  of  the  Presbytery  for  his  advice  in  the  case,  be- 
fore they  can  present  a  charge  to  the  Presbytery. 

7.  Charges  Must  he  Written  ;  Procedure. — Every  charge  must  be  re- 
duced to  writing,  before  it  is  laid  before  the  Presbytery.  After  receiv- 
ing it,  the  Presbytery  shall  act  according  to  the  regulations  laid  down, 
Chap.  IV. 

8.  Acts  of  Lijirmity. — If,  on  the  trial,  it  appears  that  the  matter  com- 
plained of  amounts  to  no  more  than  acts  of  infirmity,  which  may  be  so 
amended  that  little  remains  to  hinder  the  usefulness  of  the  accused. 
Presbytery  shall  take  all  prudent  measures  for  the  removal  of  the 
offence. 

9.  Contumacy. — A  minister  who  has  been  accused  of  scandal,  being 
twice  duly  cited,  and  refusing  to  attend  the  Presbytery,  shall  be  imme- 
diately suspended. 

10.  Rights  of  an  Accused  Minister — A  minister  under  process  for 
scandal  shall  retain,  unimpaired,  his  right  to  deliberate  and  vote  in 
other  matters,  unless  the  scandal  charged  is  of  such  a  nature  that  the 


EVIDENCE. 


43 


t 


Presbytery  considers  it  necessary  to  suspend  him  from  the  exercise  of 
his  ministry  till  the  charge  is  investigated. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

EXCEPTIONAL    CASES. 

1.  Judgment  Without  Process — There  are  cases  in  which  the  guilt  of 
an  individual  is  manifest,  the  otfence  being  committed  in  the  presence  of 
the  court,  or  in  which  a  trial  is  rendered  unnecessary  by  the  confession 
■of  the  party;   in  such  cases  judgment  may  be  given  without  process. 

2.  Appeal  in  Such  Cases. — As  there  is  no  accuser  in  such  cases,  if 
the  sentence  of  the  court  is  appeal(-;d  from,  some  person,  a  member  of 
the  court,  or  a  member  of  the  church,  and  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  same  court  with  the  appellant,  shall  be  appointed  to  defend  the  sen- 
tence in  the  superior  court,  and  such  person  shall  be  the  appellee  in  the 
case. 

CHAPTER  VII. 

EVIDENCE. 

1.  What  Received  as  Evidence A  charge  of  scandal  may  be  estab- 
lished by  the  testimony  of  witnesses,  by  the  records  of  a  church  court, 
or  by  written  or  printed  papers. 

2.  Testimony  of  Witnesses In  receiving  the  testimony  of  witnesses, 

great  care  and  impartiality  should  be  exercised  by  courts.     All  persons 
are  not  competent  witnesses,  and  all  who  are  competent  are  not  credible. 

3.  Competency. — All  persons,  whether  parties  or  otherwise,  are  com- 
petent witnesses,  except  such  as  do  not  believe  in  the  existence  of  God, 
or  a  future  state  of  rewards  and  punishments,  or  have  not  sufficient  in- 
telligence to  understand  the  obligation  of  an  oath.  Either  party  has  a 
right  to  challenge  a  witness  whom  he  believes  to  be  incompetent,  and 
the  court  shall  examine  and  decide  on  his  competency. 

4.  Credibility. — The  credibility  of  witnesses,  or  the  degree  of  credit 
given  to  their  testimony,  may  be  affected  by  relationship  to  either  of  the 
parties  ;  by  interest  in  the  result;  by  want  of  proper  age  ;  by  weakness 
of  understanding  ;  by  defect  in  any  of  the  senses  ;  by  infamy  of  charac- 
ter ;  by  enmity  to  the  accused;  by  being  under  censure  for  scandal  or 
process  for  scandal  impeaching  their  veracity  ;  by  general  rashness,  in- 
discretion, or  malignity  of  character ;  and  by  various  other  circum- 
stances, to  which  courts  should  carefully  attend,  and  for  which  they 
should  make  due  allowance  in  their  decision. 

5.  Number  of  Witnesses. — When  the  proof  of  a  charge  depends  en- 
tirely upon  the  testimony  of  witnesses,  two  credible  witnesses,  at  least, 
shall  be  necessary  to  establish  the  charge.*  But  if  several  different 
witnesses  bear  testimony  to  different  similar  acts  belonging  to  the  same 
general  charge,  or  to  circumstances  necessarily  connected  with  the  truth 
of  the  charge,  the  crime  shall  be  considered  proved. 

6.  A  Member  of  the  Court  as  a  Witness — A  member  of  the  court 
may  be  called  upon  to  bear  testimony  in  a  case  which  comes  before  it 


*  Deut.  xix.  15. 


44  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

He  shall  be  qualified  as  other  witnesses  are,  and,  after  giving  his  testi- 
mony, may  resume  his  seat  as  a  member  of  the  court,  if  there  is  no 
reasonable  objection. 

7.  Separate   Examination Witnesses   afterwards   to  be  examined, 

except  members  of  the  court,  shall  not  be  present  during  the  examina- 
tion of  another  witness,  if  either  party  demands  their  exclusion. 

8.  Purged  of  Malice. — "Witnesses,  before  giving  their  testimony,  are, 
if  it  is  required,  to  be  solemnly  purged  of  malice  against  the  accused ; 
and  no  testimony  shall  be  received  but  on  oath,  except  by  consent  of 
parties. 

9.  Manner  of  Examination After  a  witness  has   been  sworn,  he 

shall  be  requested  first  to  state  what  he  knows  of  the  matter  charged; 
if  he  declines  this  method,  or  having  given  his  statement,  he  shall  be 
examined  by  the  party  introducing  him ;  then  cross-examined  by  the 
opposite  party;  after  which,  any  member  of  the  court,  or  either  party, 
may  put  additional  interrogatories.  The  court  shall  not  permit  frivo- 
lous questions,  or  questions  not  pertinent  to  the  charge  at  issue  ;  and 
every  question  must  be  put  through  the  moderator. 

10.  Questions  are  to  be  Written — Every  question  put  to  the  witness 
shall,  if  required,  be  reduced  to  writing.  When  answered,  it,  together 
with  the  answer,  shall  be  recorded,  if  either  party  requires  it. 

11.  Recorded,  Approved  and  Attested. — The  testimony  given  by  wit- 
nesses shall  be  faithfully  recorded,  read  to  them  for  correction  and  ap- 
proval, and,  then  being  subscribed  by  them,  shall  be  attested  by  the 
moderator. 

12.  Contumacy  of  a  Witness. — A  member  of  the  church  summoned  a"* 
a  witness,  and  refusing  to  appear,  or,  having  appeared,  refusing  to  give 
testimony,  may  be  censured  for  contumacy. 

13.  Records  of  a  Church  Court The  records  of  a  church  court,  or 

any  part  of  them,  whether  original  or  transcribed,  attested  by  the  mod- 
erator and  clerk,  or  either  of  them,  shall  be  admitted  as  legal  evidence 
in  every  other  court,  and,  in  like  manner,  testimony  taken  by  one  court 
at  the  request  of  another  shall  be  received  by  the  latter  as  though  it  had 
been  taken  by  itself. 

14.  Writings  and  Publications Private  writings  and  printed  publi- 
cations, the  genuineness  and  authorship  of  which  are  clearly  established, 
may  be  received  in  evidence. 

15.  Testimony  Taken  by  Commissioners. — Where  it  may  not  be  prac- 
ticable to  take  a  part  or  the  whole  of  the  testimony  of  the  witnesses  of 
either  party  in  the  presence  of  the  court,  commissioners  shall  be  ap- 
pointed to  take  the  testimony  in  question;  of  which  commission,  and  of 
the  time  and  place  of  meeting,  due  notice  shall  be  given  to  the  opposite 
party,  that  he  may  attend.  All  testimony  thus  taken  shall  be  regarded 
as  if  taken  in  the  presence  of  the  court. 

16.  Kinds  of  Evidence. — All  evidence  is  either  positive  or  circum- 
stantial. Positive  evidence  is  that  by  which  the  fact  charged  as  a  crime 
is  directly  proved.  Circumstantial  evidence  is  that  which  proves  such 
circumstances  as  necessarily  or  usually  attend,  or  which  have  a  tend- 
ency to  establish  such  facts. 

17.  Circumstantial Circumstantial  evidence,  when  of  such  a  nature 

as  to  produce  full  conviction  on  the  mind  of  the  court,  may  be  admitted 


f 


CHURCH    CENSURES.  45 

as  conclusive.  But  while  in  some  cases  such  evidence  may  produce  as 
strong  conviction  as  can  be  obtained  by  positive,  the  greatest  caution  is 
always  to  be  used  in  admitting  such  evidence,  especially  in  the  absence 
of  the  positive  testimony  of  at  least  one  credible  witness. 

18.  Positive. — The  positive  testimony  of  a  witness  often  affords  noth- 
ing more  than  a  probable  presumption  of  a  fact,  as  when  there  is  mani- 

^  fest  reason  to  doubt  his  veracity,  or  his  right  apprehension  of  the  facts 
which  he  gives  in  testimony,  or  the  accuracy  of  his  memory,  or  when 
his  testimony  is  contradicted  by  a  witness  equally  positive  and  credible. 
The  court  is,  therefore,  not  bound,  by  the  admission  of  a  witness,  to 
give  judgment  according  to  his  testimony. 

19.  Second-hand. — No  second-hand  or  hearsay  testimony  is  to  be 
received,  unless  that  which  goes  to  prove  the  statements  of  persons  who 
would  have  been  credible  witnesses,  but  are  deceased,  or  are  beyond  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  court;  and  the  court  shall  determine  what  weight  to 
allow  it,  if  received. 

20.  Private  Knowledge. — No  private  knowledge  possessed  by  mem- 
bers of  the  court  shall  be  allowed  to  influence  the  decision,  as  that  must 
be  based  upon  what  is  actually  in  evidence. 

21.  New  Testimony. — If,  in  the  prosecution  of  an  appeal,  new  testi- 
mony is  offered,  which,  in  the  judgment  of  the  appellate  court,  has  an 
important  bearing  on  the  case,  it  may  refer  the  case  to  the  inferior 
court  for  a  new  trial,  or,  with  the  consent  of  parties,  take  the  testimony 
and  issue  the  case.  When,  however,  this  testimony  has  had  consider- 
able influence  in  procuring  a  reversal  of  the  decision  of  the  court  below, 
this  fact  shall  be  distinctly  stated  in  the  decision  of  the  superior  court. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

SENTENCES. 

1.  Definition A  sentence  is  the  determination  and  declaration,  by 

a  court,  of  the  degree  of  censure  to  be  inflicted  on  an  individual  found 
guilty  of  an  offence. 

2.  Sentence  Proportionate  to  the  Offence. — Sentences  should  be  pro- 
portionate to  the  nature  and  aggravation  of  the  offence;*  and  adapted  to 
the  ends  of  discipline.f  And  if  the  libel  or  complaint  contains  different 
charges,  the  sentence  must  be  founded  only  on  such  as  are  duly  proved. 

3.  Execution  of  Sentence The  sentence  should  be  reduced  to  writ- 
ing, and  read  to  the  party  on  whom  it  has  been  passed.  He  shall  then 
be  required  to  signify  his  willingness  to  submit  to  it,  which,  if  he  does, 
opens  the  way  for  its  execution.  But  if  he  is  not  prepared  to  submit, 
it  rests  with  the  court  to  determine  whether  it  will  be  for  edification  to 
grant  him  time  for  reflection  till  next  meeting,  or  at  once  proceed  to  the 
execution  of  the  sentence. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

CHURCH    CENSURES. 

1.  Character  and  Solemnity  of  Censures — The  censures  of  the  church 
are  purely  spiritual.     Having  been  appointed  by  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 

i?  *Tit.  iii.  10,  ]1.  fl  Cor.  V.  5;  Jude  22,  23. 


46  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

to  promote  the  spiritual  welfare  of  his  church,  and  he  having  promised 
to  bind  in  heaven  whatsoever  his  servants  bind  on  earth,  censures  ad- 
ministered according  to  his  word  cannot  be  despised  or  disregarded  by 
men  without  guilt  and  danger;  and  great  solemnity  and  gravity  should 
be  observed  by  those  who  administer  them,  as  acting  in  the  name  of  the 
great  Head  of  the  church. 

2.  Degrees There  are  five  degrees  of  church  censure,  namely:  ad- 
monition, rebuke,  suspension,  deposition,  and  excommunication. 

ARTICLE  I. 

ADMONITION. 

In  What  It  Consists Admonition  is  the  lowest  degree  of  censure.    It 

consists  in  tenderly  reproving  an  offender  for  his  sin  and  scandal,  warn- 
ing him  of  his  guilt  and  danger,  and  exhorting  him  to  be  more  watchful 
in  the  future.     It  is  to  be  administered  in  private. 

ARTICLE  II. 

RSBUKB. 

In  What  It  Consists ;  Private;  Public Rebuke  is  a  higher  degree  of 

censure  for  a  more  aggravated  offence,  and  consists  in  setting  forth  the 
character  of  the  offence,  with  a  sharp  reproof  for  it.*  Where  the  offence 
is  private,  or  where  the  public  interests  of  religion  will  not  be  injured 
thereby,  the  rebuke  should  be  in  private.  But  where  the  scandal  is 
public,  and  the  sin  of  an  aggravated  nature,  the  censure  should  be  pro- 
nounced in  public! 

ARTICLE  III. 

SUSPENSION. 

1.  Definition Suspension  is  a  censure  which  may  be  inflicted  on 

either  a  private  member  or  an  officer  of  the  church.  In  respect  to  the 
former,  it  is  a  temporary  exclusion  from  sealing  ordinances ;  and  to  the 
latter,  from  the  exercise  of  oflSce,  and,  in  ordinary  cases,  from  sealing 
ordinances  also. 

2.  When  Necessary. — This  censure  becomes  necessary  when  very 
gross  offences  have  been  committed,  or  when,  notwithstanding  admoni- 
tion or  rebuke,  an  offence  is  repeated  or  persisted  in,  or  when  probation 
is  necessary  to  attest  repentance  and  reformation. 

3.  Duration Suspension  may  be  for  a  definite  time,  but  generally  it 

must  be  indefinite  in  duration,  and  its  removal  must  depend  upon  evi- 
dence of  repentance. 

4.  Public  Announcement. — Suspension  should  be  publicly  announced, 
and  it  may  be  administered  in  the  absence  of  the  offender. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

DEPOSITION. 

1.  Definition. — Deposition  is  a  sentence  depriving  a  church  officer  of 
his  ofiice.  % 

*Tit.  i.  13  :  ii.  15.  %  Ezek.  xliv.  13  ;  1  Kings  ii.  27. 

fl  Tim.  V.  20. 


t 


THE  RESTORATION  OF  OFFENDERS.  47 

2.  Deliberation  and  Advice  Necessary This  censure  should   not  be 

inflicted  but  with  the  greatest  deliberation,  and  for  the  most  weighty 
reasons,  or  when  lighter  censures  have  failed.  It  should  ordinarily  be 
preceded  by  suspension.  Before  proceeding  to  it,  in  the  case  of  a  min- 
ister, the  Presbytery  should  seek  the  advice  of  Synod;  in  the  case  of  a 
ruling  elder,  the  Session  should  seek  the  advice  of  Presbytery.  'J  he- 
sentence  of  deposition  passed  on  a  pastor  shall  be  publicly  read  to  his 
congregation,  which  at  the  same  time  shall  be  declared  vacant. 

ARTICLE  V. 

EXCOMMUNICATION. 

1.  Definition — Excommunication  is  the  judicial  excision  of  an  of- 
fender from  the  visible  church,  declaring  him  to  be  unworthy  of  a  place 
in  the  visible  church,  and  to  have  no  more  fellowship  with  it  than  "a 
heathen  man  and  publican."* 

2.  When  Inflicted — This  fearful  sentence  should  not  be  passed  ex- 
cept for  such  errors  or  violations  of  the  law  of  God  as  are  grossly  incon- 
sistent with  the  Christian  profession,  or  for  obstinate  persistence  in  grave 
oflTences;  and  not  even  then,  until  all  scriptural  means  have  been  used, 
and  have  failed  to  reclaim  the  oflFender.f 

3.  Deliberation  and  Consultation. — Much  and  solemn  deliberation 
should  be  exercised  before  the  court  proceeds  to  this  censure.  The  Ses- 
sion, if  shut  up  to  this  step,  should  refer  the  matter  to  the  Presbytery, 
which  may  pass  the  sentence,  if  satisfied  of  its  necessity,  and  give  direc- 
tions for  its  execution.  A  Presbytery,  also,  before  excommunicating  a 
minister,  may  consult  the  Synod. 

4.  Due  Notice  and  Warning. — In  every  case,  before  this  step  is 
taken,  due  notice  must  be  given  to  the  offender,  and  he  must  be  warned 
of  the  sentence  which  awaits  him,  unless  prevented  by  speedy  repent- 
ance. After  he  has  been  duly  notified  to  attend,  the  sentence  may  be 
passed  by  the  court,  whether  he  is  present  or  absent. 

5.  Manner. — A  warrant  having  been  issued  by  the  Presbytery  for  the 
public  announcement  of  the  sentence,  the  officiating  minister,  after  read- 
ing the  warrant,  shall  recount  the  steps  which  have  been  taken  in  the 
case,  and  explain  the  necessity  of  the  sentence,  and,  having  prayed  for 
the  Lord's  blessing  on  his  own  ordinance,  he  shall  solemnly  pronounce 
it  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

6.  Effects — After  the  announcement  of  the  sentence,  the  members  of 
the  church  should  be  warned  that  the  person  cast  out  is  no  longer  to  be 
viewed  as  a  brother,  and  that  they  are  to  have  no  unnecessary  inter- 
course with  him. I  Nevertheless,  communication  does  not  destroy  the 
bonds  of  natural  and  civil  relations,  nor  free  from  any  of  their  obliga- 
tions. § 

CHAPTER  X. 

THE  RESTORATION  OF  OFFENDERS. 

1.  Power  to  Restore — The  Lord  Jesus  Christ  has  given  to  the  officers 

*Matt.  xviii.  17;  1  Cor.  v.  5.  J  1  Cor.  v.  11-13. 

t  1  Tim.  i.  20 ;  Matt,  xviii,  15-17.  §  1  Cor.  v.  10,  and  vii.  10-16. 


48  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

of  his  house  the  power  to  loose  as  well  as  to  bind,  and  has  promised  that 
whatsoever  they  loose  on  eartli  shall  be  loosed  in  heaven.* 

2.  Conditions, — No  degree  of  guilt  precludes  restoration  to  church 
privileges,  on  satisfactory  evidence  of  repentance  and  reformation. 

3.  To  be  Carefully  Considered — It  is  not,  however,  every  profession 
of  sorrow  for  sin,  or  every  promise  of  amendment,  or  even  a  partial  re- 
formation, that  should  be  judged  a  satisfactory  reason  for  restoration. 
But  where  a  spirit  of  humility  and  meekness  is  manifested,  accompanied 
with  becoming  watchfulness  in  life  and  conversation,  especially  in  re- 
spect to  the  particular  sin  for  which  the  censure  has  been  inflicted,  the 
court  may  feel  warranted  in  restoring  the  offender. 

4.  Public  or  Private. — The  act  of  restoration  shall  be  public,  if  the 
censure  was  public,  otherwise  private,  and  by  the  same  court  which  in- 
flicted tlie  censure,  unless  otherwise  directed  by  a  superior  court. 

5.  Manner  of  Application An  offender,  desirous  of  restoration,  shall 

make  application  to  tlie  court  by  which  he  was  censured,  or  to  the  next 
superior  court,  expressing  his  desire  to  be  restored  to  the  fellowship  of 
the  church,  acknowledging  his  sin,  and  professing  his  sorrow  for  it,  and 
his  resolution,  througli  grace,  to  adorn  the  doctrine  of  God  our  Saviour. 

This,  however,  shall  not  preclude  the  necessity  of  his  giving  satisfac- 
tion, public  or  private,  as  the  court  may  require. 

6.  Restoration  of  Officers Church  officers  deposed  may  be  restored 

to  church  privileges,  on  evidence  of  repentance  ;  but  they  ought  not, 
especially  ministers,  to  be  restored  to  the  exercise  of  their  office,  until 
it  is  obvious  that  the  religious  community  is  prepared  to  receive  them  in 
their  official  character. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

DISSENT    AND    PROTESTS. 

1.  Definition  of  Dissent ;  Who  May  Dissent ;  Reasons  for  Dissent — 
A  dissent  is  a  formal  declaration  of  disagreement  with  a  decision  of  the 
court,  testifying  against  it  as  contrary  to  the  word  of  God  and  the  stand- 
ards of  the  church.  None  but  a  member  of  the  court,  present  and  vot- 
ing, may  dissent  from  its  proceedings.  A  dissent  must  be  given  imme- 
diately after  the  judgment  dissented  from  is  pronounced,  and  it  shall  be 
entered  on  the  record.  If  reasons  for  dissent  are  given,  these  may  be 
placed  either  on  record  or  on  file  for  preservation,  according  to  the 
pleasure  of  the  court. 

2.  Definition  of  Protest ;  Reasons. — A  protest  is  a  more  solemn  and 
formal  declaration  of  disagreement  with  a  decision  of  a  court,  and  it 
must  be  accompanied  with  a  statement  of  the  reasons  on  which  it  is 
founded,  to  be  transmitted  within  ten  days  to  the  clerk  of  the  court. 

3.  Who  has  a  Right  to  Protest ;  When  Blade  ;  When  Admitted. — The 
right  of  protest  belongs  not  only  to  the  members  of  the  court,  but  also  to 
either  party  in  a  case  which  is  the  subject  of  investigation  and  decision. 
A  protest  must  be  declared  immediately  after  the  judgment  protested 
against  is  pronounced ;  but  no  protest  can  be  admitted  unless  it  is  en- 
tered with  a  view  to  appeal  or  complain  to  a  higher  court. 

*Matt.  xvi.  19. 


CASE    CARRIED    FROM    A    LOAVER    TO    A    HIGHER    COURT.  49 

4.  Right  to  Record. — If  a  protest  or  dissent  is  couclied  in  respectful 
language,  and  contains  no  offensive  reflections  or  insinuations  against 
the  majority  of  the  court,  tliose  wlio  offer  it  have  a  riirht  to  have  it 
recorded  in  the  minutes. 

5.  Reasons  and  Answers  ;  Replies  Restricted. — Tlie  court  should  ap- 
point a  committee  to  prepare  answers  to  reasons  of  protest,  wliicii,  being 
adopted,  ought  to  be  inserted  in  the  records.  A  repl^-,  on  tlie  part  of 
protesters,  to  the  answers  to  their  reasons  of  protest,  siiall  not  be  ad- 
mitted. But,  if  tiiey  regard  tlie  answers  as  imputinc:  to  them  opinions 
or  conduct  which  they  disavow,  they  may  ask  leave^to  withdraw  their 
reasons,  and  modify  tiiem  so  as  to' exi)ress  tiieir  views  more  clearly. 
Such  alteration  may  be  followed  by  a  corresponding  modihcation  of  the 
answers,  and  here  tlie  matter  must  terminate. 

6.  What  It  Implies. — The  admission  of  a  protest  by  a  court  implies  no 
more  than  a  recognition  of  the  riglit  of  the  protester  to  exonerate  his 
conscience,  or  to  have  a  hearing  in  a  superior  court. 

7.  In  Court  of  Last  Resort. — A  protest,  against  a  decision  of  the 
conrt  of  last  resort,  may  be  entered,  with  the  answers,  on  the  records  of 
the  court ;  but  such  protest  does  not  justify  the  protester  in  disobedience 
or  non-submission. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

THE    VARIOUS    WATS    BY    WHICH    A    CASE    MAT    BE    CARRIED    FROM    A 
LOWER    TO    A    HIGHER    COURT. 

1.  Uses. — In  all  governments  administered  by  men,  Avrong  may  be 
done.  To  remedy  this,  in  an  orderly  way,  is  one  great  design' of  super- 
ior courts.  When  those  who  had  no  concern  in  the  origin  of^jiroceedin^s 
are  brought  to  review  them,  and  confirm  or  annul  them,  there  is  as  great 
security  against  permanent  wrong  as  the  present  imperfect  state  admits. 

2.  Modes — Every  decision  in  any  church  court  except  the  highest  is 
subject  to  the  review  of  a  superior  court;  and  it  may  be  brouuhrbefore 
it  in  one  or  other  of  the  following  ways, — viz.,  by  review  and  control, 
reference,  appeal,  complaint  or  declinature. 

3.  Rights  of  Members  of  the  Inferior  Court "When  a  matter  is  trans- 
ferred in  any  of  these  ways  from  an  inferior  to  a  superior  court,  except 
in  cases  of  reference,  the  members  of  the  inferior  court  siiall  have  the 
right  to  sit  and  deliberate,  but  not  to  vote. 

ARTICLE  I. 

REVIEW    AND    CONTROL. 

1.  General  Review — It  is  the  duty  of  every  church  court  above  a 
Session,  at  least  once  a  year,  to  review  the  records  of  tlie  proceedings  of 
the  court  next  below.  And  if  any  lower  court  shall  neglect  to  send  up 
its  records  for  this  purpose,  the  higher  court  may  issue  an  order  to  pro- 
duce them,  either  immediately,  or  at  some  specified  time. 

2.  Matters  of  Review In  reviewing  the  records  of  an  inferior  court, 

it  is  proper  to  examine,  first,  whether  the  proceedings  have  been  consti- 
tutional and  regular;  second,  whether  they  have  been  equitable,  faithful 
and  prudent;  third,  whetlier  they  have  been  correctly  recorded. 

4 


50  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

3.  Mode  of  Review. — Tbe  review  may  be  conducted  by  a  committee, 
which  shall  report  at  the  meeting  at  which  it  was  appointed.  If,  ac- 
cording to  the  report  of  tlie  committee,  animadversion  or  censure  appears 
necessary,  the  members  of  the  inferior  court  present  shall  be  heard  in 
defence,  and  the  judgment  of  the  court  reviewing  shall  be  entered  on 
their  own  minutes,  and  on  the  book  reviewed. 

4.  Irregular  Proceedings. — If  in  the  review  irregular  proceedings  are 
found,  so  injurious  as  to  require  con-ection,  tlie  inferior  court  may  be 
required  to  review  and  correct  its  proceedings,  and  to  report  tlie  cor- 
rection as  soon  as  practicable. 

5.  Decision  not  Reversed. — Ko  judicial  decision,  however,  shall  be  re- 
versed by  the  court  reviewing,  unless  it  is  regularly  brought  up  by 
appeal  or  complaint. 

6.  Review  on  Common  Fame. — If  the  superior  court  is  well  advised, 
by  common  fame,  of  neglects  and  irregularities  by  the  inferior,  of  which 
the  records  give  no  notice,  especially  in  cases  where  notorious  errors  or 
sins  are  suffered  to  pass  without  rebuke,  and  offenders  are  permitted  to 
escape  proper  censure,  it  shall  cite  tlie  inferior  court  to  appear  and 
answer,  and,  if  culpable,  inflict  such  censure  and  give  such  orders  as 
may  be  necessary  to  remedy  tbe  evils  existing. 

7.  Courts  Reviewing  their  own  Decision. — While  the  court  of  last 
resort  may,  at  any  time,  review  its  own  decisions,  it  is  not  exj)edient 
for  an  inferior  court  to  do  so,  except  wiien  directed  by  a  superior,  or 
when  fully  satisfied  that  there  are  grounds  for  the  reversal  of  a  previous 
decision. 

ARTICLE  II. 

REFERENCES. 

1.  Definition. — A  reference  is  a  judicial  representation,  made  by  an 
inferior  to  the  next  superior  court,  of  a  matter  not  yet  decided;  this 
representation  shall  always  be  in  writing. 

2.  Proper  Subjects. — Proper  subjects  of  reference  are,  cases  that  are 
new,  that  are  peculiarly  delicate  or  difficult,  the  decision  of  which  may 
establish  a  precedent  of  extensive  influence,  or  on  which  the  members 
of  the  court  are  much  divided. 

3.  Objects References  are  either  for  advice,  or  for  trial  and  deci- 
sion of  the  case  by  the  superior  court. 

4.  Efifects. — In  the  former,  the  effect  of  a  reference  is  merely  to  sus- 
pend the  decision  of  the  court  making  it;  in  the  latter,  it  is  to  relin- 
quish the  decision,  and  submit  the  whole  case  to  the  judgment  of  the 
superior  court. 

5.  Duty  of  a  Superior  Court. — Although  a  superior  court  ought  gen- 
erally to  give  advice,  yet  it  is  not  bound  to  give  a  final  judgment  in  a 
case  referred,  even  when  requested  so  to  do;  but  it  may  remit  the  whole 
case  with  or  without  advice  to  the  court  referring. 

6.  Notice  and  Evidence — Notice  of  reference  must  be  given  to  parties 
who  may  be  interested  in  a  case,  and  the  court  making  the  reference 
should  have  all  evidence  duly  prepared  and  in  readiness,  that  the  supe- 
rior court  may  be  able  to  hear  and  issue  the  case  with  as  little  delay  as 
possible. 


CASE  CARRIEP  FROM  A  LOWER  TO  A  HIGHER  COURT.     ol 

ARTICLE  III. 


1.  Definition — An  appeal  is  the  removal  of  a  case  already  decided, 
from  an  inferior  to  the  next  superior  court. 

2.  Grounds — Appeals  may  be  made  either  from  a  definitive  sentence 
as  unjust  or  mistaken,  or  irom  any  particular  step  of  the  proceedings,  on 
account  of  irregularity,  in  refusing  reasonable  indulgence  to  a  party  on 
trial,  declining  to  receive  important  testimony,  hurrying  to  a  decision 
before  the  testimony  is  all  taken,  or  manifesting  prejudice  in  the  case. 

3.  Appellants — In  a  judicial  case,  tiiat  is,  where  a  person  is  on  trial 
for  heresy  or  immorality,  the  right  of  appeal  belongs  to  the  party  against 
whom  the  decision  is  made.  In  all  cases,  when  the  purity  of  the  church 
or  the  interests  of  truth  and  righteousness  are  injuriously  affected  by  a 
decision,  any  member  of  tiie  court  may  appeal.  In  judicial  cases,  those 
who  have  not  submitted  to  a  regular  trial  are  not  entitled  to  appeal. 

4.  Notice  and  Reasons Every  appellant  is  bound  to  give  notice  of 

his  appeal  to  tlie  court  before  it  rises,  and  to  lay  the  reasons  thereof,  in 
writing,  before  it  at  the  time,  oi-  within  ten  days  thereafter.  In  the  lat- 
ter case  these  reasons  shall  be  lodged  with  the  moderator  or  clerk.  But 
where  parties  interested  may,  for  good  reasons,  not  have  been  present, 
or  not  have  known  of  the  decision,  a  reasonable  time  shall  be  allowed. 

5.  Necessary  Papers The  appellant  shall  lodge  his  appeal,  and  the 

reasons  of  it,  with  the  clerk  of  the  higher  court,  at  the  commencement 
of  its  meeting,  and  either  party  may  appear  in  person  or  in  writing. 
And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  court  whose  judgment  is  appealed  from, 
to  send  authentic  copies  of  the  records  and  testimony  relating  to  the 
matter. 

6.  Order In  taking  up  an  appeal,  after  ascertaining  that  it  has  been 

regularly  conducted,  the  first  step  shall  be  to  read  the  records  in  the 
case  ;  second,  to  hear  the  parties,  the  appellant  first,  and  then  the  ap- 
pellee ;  third,  to  hear  the  members  of  the  court,  and  then  to  take  the 
final  vote. 

7.  Different  Issues The   decision   may  be   to   confirm   or  reverse, 

either  in  whole  or  in  part,  the  decision  of  the  inferior  court,  or  to  remit 
the  case,  for  the  purpose  of  amending  the  record,  should  it  appear  to  be 
incorrect,  or  defective,  or  for  a  new  trial. 

8.  Action  of  the  Appellate  Court If  an  appeal  is  sustained,  the  judg- 
ment of  the  inferior  court  is  necessarily  reversed,  but  if  not  sustained, 
the  judgment  is  affirmed.  If  an  appeal  is  sustained,  the  superior  court 
may  close  the  case,  if  further  proceedings  are  deemed  unnecessary,  or 
try  it,  or  direct  the  court  below  how  to  proceed.  But  in  case  of  an  ap- 
peal from  a  decision  refusing  an  appeal,  if  the  appeal  is  sustained,  the 
case  must  be  tried  by  the  higher  court. 

9.  Troublesome  Appellants If  an  appellant  manifests  a  litigious  or 

other  unchristian  spirit  in  the  prosecution  of  his  appeal,  he  shall  be  cen- 
sured according  to  the  degree  of  his  offence. 

10.  Appeal  Abandoned — If  an  appellant,  after  entering  his  appeal 
before  a  superior  court,  fails  to  prosecute  it,  it  shall  be  considered  as 
abandoned,  unless  he  can  make  it  appear  that  he  was  providentially 
prevented. 


52  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

11.  Operation  of  Appeal. — The  operation  of  an  appeal  is  to  suspend 
all  further  proceedings  on  tlie  ground  of  tlie  sentence  appealed  from. 
But  if  a  sentence  of  suspension  or  excommunication  from  church  privi- 
leges, or  of  deposition  from  office,  is  appealed  from,  it  shall  be  in  force 
until  the  appeal  shall  be  issued. 

12.  An  Appeal  May  be  Refused — In  cases  Avhere  the  admission  of  an 
appeal  would  necessarily  and  injuriously  delay  process,  it  is  com])etent 
for  the  inferior  court  to  refuse  to  admit  an  appeal,  and  having  done  so, 
to  proceed  with  tiie  trial  ;  but  in  such  case  the  party  refused  an  appeal 
may  complain  to  the  superior  court. 

ARTICLE  IV. 

COMPLAINTS. 

1.  Definition. — A  complaint  is  a  representation  made  to  a  superior  by 
any  member  or  members  of  a  minority  of  an  inferior  court,  or  t)y  any 
person  or  persons,  being  members  of  the  churcli,  respecting  a  decision 
of  the  inferior  court  as  being  irregular  and  unjust. 

2.  When  Complaints  are  Proper — Complaints  are  proper  in  all  cases 
of  grievance,  whether  judicial  or  not,  whei-e  the  party  aggrieved  declines 
to  api)eal,  or  wiiere  the  complainants  do  not  possess  the  right  of  appeal, 
or  where  the  right  of  appeal  is  tyranically  refused;  and  in  all  other  cases 
where  the  complainant  is  persuaded  that  the  purity  of  the  church  or  the 
interests  of  truth  and  righteousness  are  injuriously  affected  by  the  decis- 
ion of  an  inferior  court.  But  in  judical  cases,  a  party  declining  to  ap- 
peal shall  not  be  allowed  to  complain. 

3.  Effects  of  a  Complaint,  when  Well  Founded. — A  complaint  brings 
the  whole  proceedings  of  an  inferior  court  under  the  review  of  its  super- 
ior, and  the  original  parties  are  thereby  placed  at  the  bar  of  the  super- 
ior court. 

4.  When  a  Complaint  is  Well  Founded If  on  examination  it  appears 

that  a  complaint  is  well  founded,  sucli  finding  may  not  only  reverse  the 
decision  of  the  court  below,  either  in  whole  or  in  part,  but  also  subject 
the  inferior  court  to  such  censure  as  the  case  may  seem  to  retjuire. 

5.  Rules  of  Procedure. — The  same  rules  of  procedure  must  be  ob- 
served in  complaints  as  in  appeals.      [See  Article  III.  of  this  Chapter.] 

ARTICLE  V. 

DECLINATURE. 

1.  Definition.  A  declinature  is  the  refusal  of  a  person,  under  process, 
to  submit  to  trial  by  a  particular  court. 

2.  When  Warrantable. — A  declinature  is  warrantable,  if  accompanied 
with  an  appeal,  when  a  court  prejudges  the  case,  when  it  allows  mem- 
bers who  are  nearly  related  to  the  opposing  party,  or  who  have  them- 
selves been  active  as  parties,  or  at  variance  with  either  of  the  parties,  to 
sit  and  vote  in  the  case  after  objection  made. 

3.  When  not  Warrantable. — But  if  a  person,  in  order  to  evade  a  pro- 
cess, or  without  assigning  any  just  reason,  or  without  an  appeal  to  the 
next  higher  court,  declines  the  authority  of  his  proper  court,  such  de- 
clinature is  unwarrantable,  and  does  not  stay  tlie  process,  but  the  per- 
son declining  may  be  censured  for  contumacy. 


LIMITATION    OF    TIME.  53 

4.  Effects. — A  lawful  declinature  does  not  quash  a  process.  Jt  only 
removes  it  to  a  higher  court,  where  the  same  regulations  shall  be  ob- 
served in  the  trial  as  in  cases  of"  appeal. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

JURISDICTION. 

1.  Of  a  Member. — A  member  dismissed  from  one  congregation  to  an- 
other shall  be  considered  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  former  until  actu- 
ally received  by  the  latter. 

2.  Of  a  Minisler. — A  minister,  in  like  manner,  shall  be  considered  as 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Presbytery  by  which  he  was  dismissed,  un- 
til he  actually  becomes  a  member  of  another. 

3.  Sins    Committed  before  but  Knoion  after  Reception Any  offence, 

committed  by  either  a  minister  or  member,  between  the  time  of  his  dis- 
missal by  one  court  and  his  reception  by  another,  but  which  did  not 
come  to  light  until  afier  he  had  been  received,  shall  be  under  the  cogni- 
zance of  tiie  latter  body. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

LIMITATON  OF  TIME. 

1.  In  Trial  for  Scandal Process,  in  case  of  scandal,  shall  com- 
mence within  one  year  after  the  crime  has  been  committed  ;  and  scan- 
dals that  have  been  known  for  that  time,  shall  not  be  made  the  subjects  of 
process,  unless  they  have  recently  become  flagrant.  But  where  a  scan- 
dal was  committed  unknown  to  the  church,  though  more  than  a  year  has 
passed  before  its  discovery,  process  may  commence  as  if  the  crime  had 
recectly  been  committed. 

2.  But  one  Trial  for  the  same  Offence — Persons  who  have  been  tried 
for  an  offence,  and  acquitted,  or  found  guilty  and  censured  and  restored, 
cannot  be  subjected  to  another  trial  for  the  same  offence. 


FOHMS. 


I.     Testimonial  of  Members  Leaving  a  Congregation. 

That  A.  B.  is  a  member  in  full  communion,  in  the  United  Presbyterian  conprre- 

gation  of ,  in  the  county  of ,  State  of ,  and  is  hereby  dismissed 

at own  request,  is  attested  this day  t)f ,  18 — . 

By  order  of  Session  J.  N.,  Moderator. 

A.  D.,  Clerk. 


II.     Testimonial  for  Members  who  have  been  some  time  Absent. 

That  A.  B.  was  a  member  in  full  communion  in  the  United  Presbyterian  congre- 
gation of ,  in  the  county  of .  State  of ,  up  to  the day  of 

,  when removed  from  the  bounds  tiiereof,  and  may.  as  far  as  is  known 

to  this  Session,  be  received  into  the  fellowship  of  any  church  of  Christ,  is  attested 

this day  of ,  18 — . 

By  order  of  Session.  J.  N.,  Moderator. 

A.  D..  Clerk. 


III.     Form  of  Application  fob  the  Moderation  of  a  Call, 

The  United  Presbyterian  Church  at ,  in  the  county  of ,  and  State 

of ,  under  the  inspection  of  the  Presbytery  of ,  being  at  present  vacant, 

anxious  to  obtain   the   stated  administration  of  the  word   and    ordinances  among 

them,  and  finding  themselves  able  and  willing  to  support  it,  assembled  at ,  on 

the day  of ,  18 — ,  and  agreed   to  petition,  and   do  hereby  must  heartily 

petition  the  Presbytery  for  a  moderation  of  a  call,  and  appoint  A.  N.  and  C.  D. 
their  commissioners,  to  represent  them  in  this  behalf  to  the  Presbytery,  at  their 
next  meeting. 

By  order  of  the  Congregation,  E.  F.,  Moderator. 

Done  at ,  the day  of ,  A,  D,  18 — , 


IV,     Form  of  a  Call  for  a  Minister. 

We,  the  elders  and  other  members  of  the   United  Presbyterian  congregation  of 
in  the  countv  of ,  and  State  of ,  taking  into  our  serious  consider- 


ation the  great  loss  we  suffer  through  the  want  of  a  fixed  gospel  ministry  among 
us,  and  being  fully  satisfied,  from  opportunities  of  enjoying  your  public  ministra- 
tions, that  the  Great  Head  of  the  church  has  bestowed  upon  you,  Mr.  A.  N..  such 
ministerial  gifts  and  endowments  as.  through  the  divine  blessing,  may  be  profit- 
able for  our  edification  ;  we.  therefore,  hereby  call  and  beseech  you  to  come  to  us 
and  help  us,  by  taking  the  charge  and  oversight  of  this  congregation,  to  labor  in  it 
and  Watch  over  it,  as  our  fi.xed  pastor ;  and  on  your  acceptance  of  this  our  call,  we 
promise  you  all  due  support,  respect,  encouragement  and  obedience  in  the  Lord. 

In  testimonj^  whereof,  we  have  subscribed  this  our  call,  this day  of ,  in 

the  year  of  our  Lord  18 — ,  before  these  witnesses. 

Attest:  CD. 

E.  F. 

(  •>4  ) 


FORMS.  55 

V.     Attestation  op  a  Call. 

That,  agreeably  to  presbyterial   appointment,  I  preached   on  the  day  of 

,  in  the  congregation  of  ,  under  the  inspection  of  the  Presbytery  of 

in  the  State  of ,  and  presided  in  the  moderation  of  a  call  for  a  pas- 


tor to  said  congregation,  which  was  made  out  for  Mr.  A.  N.  under  the  inspection 

of  the  Presbytery  of ,  is  certified  at ,  this day  of ,  A.  D.  18 — ,  by 

CD. 


VI.     Form  of  an  Act  of  Licensure. 

The  United  Presbyterian  Presbytery  of ,  in  the  State  of ,  having 

taken  Mr.  A.  N.,  student  of  divinity,  on  trials  for  license,  and  he  having  acquitted 
himself  to  their  satisfaction  in  all  the  parts  of  his  trials,  did  at  their  meeting  on 

the day  of ,  at ,  in  the  county  of ,  and  State  of ,  and 

hereby  do,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  allow  and  appoint  him,  the  said 
A.  N.,  to  preach  the  gospel  of  peace  within  their  bounds,  and  in  all  other  places 
where  in  Providence  he  may  be  called. 

By  order  of  Presbytery.  C.  D.,  Moderator. 

E.  F.,  Clerk. 

Given  at ,  county  of ,  and  State  of ,  this day  of  , 

A.  D.  18—. 


VIL     Form  of  an  Edict. 

■  The  United  Presbyterian  Presbytery  of  ,  in  the  State  of 

received  a  regular  call  from  the  congregation  at ,  in  the 

and  State  of ,  to  Mr.  A.  N.,  preacher  of  the  gospel,  to  be  their  minister,  and 

the  said  Mr.  A.  N.  having  undergone  trials  for  ordination,  and  the  Presbytery 
judging  him  qualified  for  the  ministry  of  the  gospel,  and  fit  to  be  pastor  of  this 
congregation,  the  call  whereof  has  been  by  him  accepted,  have  resolved  to  proceed 

to  his  ordination  on  the day  of ,  unless  somewhat  occur  which  may 

lawfully  impede  it;  and,  therefore,  do  hereby  give  notice  to  all  concerned,  that  if 
they,  or  any  of  them,  have  aught  to  object  why  the  said  Mr.  A.  N.  should  not  be 
admitted  pastor  of  this  congregation,  they  may  repair  to  the  Presbytery,  which  ia 
to  meet  at ,  on  the day  of .  with  certification,  that  if  no  objec- 
tion be  then  made,  the  Presbytery  will  proceed  without  further  delay. 

By  order  of  the  Presbytery.  C.  D.,  Moderator. 

E.  F.,  Clerk. 


VIIL     Certificate  of  Ordination. 

The  United  Presbyterian  Presbytery  of ,  in  the  State  of ,  having 

had  a  call  from  the  congregation  of ,  county  of .  and  State  of , 

to  Mr.  A.  N.,  preacher  of  the  gospel,  presented  to  them,  which  they  sustained,  and 
which  he  accepted,  took  him  on  trials  for  ordination,  and  having  judged  him  duly 
qualified  for  the  office  of  the  gospel  ministry,  and  in  jiarticular  for  the  pastoral 
charge  of  said  congregation,  and  being  presbyterially  met  at  their  ordinary  place 

of  public  worship,  on  the   day  of  ,  did   then   and   there  solemnly  set 

apart  said  Mr.  A.  N..  in  the  face  of  tiie  whole  congregation  there  present,  to  the 
office  of  the  holy  ministry  in  said  congregation,  and  did  afterward  receive  him  into 
ministerial  friendship.* 

By  order  of  Presbytery.  C.  D.,  Moderator. 

E.  F.,  Clerk. 

Given  at ,  on  the day  of ,  A.  D.  18 — . 

*  When  a  candidate  is  ordained  to  the  ministry  at  large,  or  when  the  Presbytery  cannot  meet 
in  the  congregation  to  be  settled,  the  form  of  the  tebtimonials  must  be  varied  accordingly. 


56  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

IX.    Form  of  Transfer,  in  Case  of  a  Call  from  one  Presbytery  to 

Another. 

The  United  Presbyterian  Presbytery  of  ,  in  the  State  of .  having- 

received  from  the  Presbytery  of  ,  in  the  State  of  ,  a  call  for  Mr.  A.  N. 

to  the  pastoral  charge  of  the  congreeation  at ,  under  the  inspection  of  the 

Presbytery  aforesaid,  and  said  call  being  by  them  approved,  and  by  him  accepted, 

they  did,  and  hereby  do,  transfer  and  remit  him   to  tlie  Presbytery  of  ,  for 

ordination  (or  admission)  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  said  congregation. 

By  order  of  Presbvterv.  C.  D.,  Moderator. 

E.  F.,  Clerk. 
Done  at ,  on  the day  of  ,  18 — . 


X.     Form  of  Commission  to  the  General  Assembly. 

It  is  hereby  certified  that  the  United  Presbyterian  Presbytery  of  ,  in  the 

State  of  ,  at  their  meeting  on  the day  of ,  did,  and  hereby  do, 

appoint  Mr.  A.  N..  minister  at ,  iMr.  C.  D.,  minister  at ,  with  Mr.  E.  F. 

and  Mr.  G.  H.,  ruling  elders',  their  commissioners  to  the  ne.\t  General  Assembly  of 

this  church,  to  meet  at  ,  on  the   day  of  ,  next  ensuing,  or  when 

and  where  it  shall  happen  to  meet,  enjoining  them  to  rejiair  thither,  and  attend  at 
all  the  sittings  therof.  and  there  to  consult,  vote  and  determine  in  all  matters  that 
come  before  them,  according  to  the  word  of  God  and  the  standards  of  this  church, 
as  they  will  be  answerable,  and  that  they  report  diligence  herein  at  their  return. 
By  order  of  Presbyterv.  J.  K.,  Moderator. 

L.  M.,  Clerk. 

Done  at ,  this day  of ,  18 — . 


XI.     Form  of  a  Lif.el. 

Libel  preferred  against  A.  N..  by  order  of  . 

Whereas  (here  insert  the  crime)  is  a  heinous  sin  and  scandal,  contrary  to  the 
word  of  God  (insert  passages)  and  to  the  ])rol('ssion  of  this  church  (quote  from 
standards),  and  injurious  to  the  religion  of  Christ,  and  ought  to  be  censured  ; 

Yet  true  it  is  that  you,  A.  N.,  &.c..  are   guilty  in  the   matter  of  scandal  above 

specified.     In  so  far  as  you,  said   A.  N.,  did  at .  on  the day  of  , 

or  thereabouts  (here  insert  facts),  being  found  relevant  and  proved  against  you, 
you  ought  to  be  proceeded  against  by  the  censures  of  the  Lord's  house,  according 
to  the  nature  of  your  said  oti'ence  and  scandal. 

Signed,  E.  F.,  Moderator. 

G.  H.,  Clerk. 

Done  in ,  at .  this  day  of ,  18 — . 


XII.     Form  of  Citation. 

By  order  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Session  (or  Presbytery)  of ,  you,  Mr. 

A.  N.,  member  of,  elder  or  deacon  in,  or  minister  at ,  are  summoned  to  ap- 
pear before  said  ,  and  answer  to  the  libel  herewith  presented,  at on  the 

day  of ,  and  at o'clock  in  the . 

Signed  C.  D.,  Moderator. 

E.  F.,  Clerk. 
Done  at ,  this day  of .  A.  D.  18 — . 


XIII.     Form  of  Citation  for  a  Witness. 
Mr.  a.  N.  :— 

You  are  hereby  summoned  by  the  Session  (or  Presbytery)  of  to 

appear  at ,  on  the day  of .  to  give  testimony  in  a  cause  pending 

between  C.  D.  and  E.  F.     Lay  aside  all  excuses,  and  fail  not  to  attend. 

A.  N.,  Moderator. 
CD.,  Clerk. 
This day  of ,  and  year  of  our  Lord  — . 


FORMS.  57 

XIV.     Form  of  an  Oath  to  be  Administered  to  a  Witness. 

"  You  swear  by  the  living  God,  the  searcher  of  all  hearts,  that  j'ou  will  declare 
the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  nothintr  but  the  truth,  according  to  the  best  of 
your  knowledge,  in  the  cause  now  pending,  as  j'ou  shall  answer  to  God  at  the 
great  daj'." 


XV.     Form  of  an  Act  of  Public  Suspension. 

Whereas,  A.  N.,* ,  hath  been   convicted  before   thef of 

[And  whereas,  the have,  from  time  to  time,  and  in  the  spirit  of  meekness, 

endeavored,  without  effect,  to  reclaim  their  offending  brother;]:]  ;  and  whereas,  his 
continuing  in  sin,  and  refusing  to  listen  to  the  admonitions  of  his  brethren,  render 
it  necessary  for  the  honor  of  Christ  Jesus,  for  the  purity  of  his  religion,  for  a 
warning  to  others,  and  for  his  own  benefit,  to  inflict  on  him  a  public  censure  of  the 

Lords  liouse,  the did.  and  hereby  do,  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

and  as  a  couit  constituted  in  his  name,  suspend  and  e.xclude  the  said  A.  N.  from 
tbe  privileges  of  the  cliurcli.  till  he  return  from  the  error  of  his  way,  and  give  solid 
proofs  of  unfeigned  rejieutance. 


XVL     Form  of  an  Act  of  Suspension  or  Deposition  from  Office. 

Whereas.  A.  X., ,  hath  been  convicted  before  the of ;  and 

whereas,  it  is  especialh-  needful,  that  office-bearers  in  tiie  house  of  God  be  sound 
in  the  faith,  of  good  report,  and  by  their  blameless  conversation,  ensamples  to  the 
flock;  and  whereas,  the  continuance  of  said  A.  N.  in  the  station  which  he  pres- 
ently holds,  is  for  these  reasons  incompatible  with  the  welfare  of  the  church,  the 

aforesaid  did,  and  hereby  do,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authoritj'  of  the  Lord 

Jesus  Christ,  and  according  to  the  powers  committed  by  him  unto  them  as  a  court 
constituted  in  his  name.  ^ the  said  A.  N.  from  the  office  of  the  || ,  pro- 
hibiting him  from  all  and  any  e.xercise  of  the  said  office  of  the in    the 

church  of  Christ,  till  he  be  lawfully  restored  thereto. 

Signed,  C.  D..  Moderator. 

E.  F.,  Clerk. 

Done  in ,  at ,  this day  of . 

The  above  form  is  to  be  observed  in  those  cases  where  a  suspension  or  deposition  is  necpssary, 
■whatever  contrition  be  manifested;  but  in  the  event  of  contumacy,  or  persisting  in  the  scan- 
dal, the  following  clauses  are  to  be  added  immediately  before  the  signature  of  the  Moderator 
and  Clerk. 

And  whereas,  the  said  A.  B.  hath  manifested,  and  doth  still  manifest,  contuma- 
cious resistance  to  that  authority  to  which  he  oweth  subjection  in  the  Lord,  and 

refuseth  to  make  just  and  scriptural  satisfaction  for  his  offence,  the furtlier 

did,  and  hereby  do,  in  the  same  venerable  name,  suspend  and  exclude  the  said  A.  B. 
from  the  privileges  of  the  Christian  Church,  with  certification  that  if  he  shall  not 

return  unto  his  duty,  acknowledging  the found  proved  against  him.  with  his 

contumacious  behavior,  and  confessing  his  humiliation  and  penance  therefor,  to 

the  glory  of  God.  and  apply  to  the against  \ for  giving  satisfaction 

with  respect  to  the  whole  of  this,  his  sinful  course  and  conduct,  the will 

then  consider  on  proceeding  against  him  by  some  higher  censure,  as  they  shall  see 
cause. 


XVIL     Form  of  a  Sentence  of  Excommunication. 
Whereas,  ** heinous  sin  and  scandal proved,  at  the  meeting  of 

'  *  Member  or  elder,  or  deacon,  of  this  congregation  ;  or  minister,  elder,  deacon,  or  member  of 
the  congregation  at . 

t  Session  of  this  church,  or  Session  of  the  church  at ,  or  Presbytery  at . 

JThe  clause  included  in  [ ]  to  be  omitted  in  cases  where  a  public  suspension  may  be 

necessary  without  the  previous  steps. 

I  Suspend  or  depose,  as  the  case  may  require. 

II  Holy  ministry,  or  eldership,  or  deaconship,  according  to  his  station. 
If  Here  insert  the  time,  etc.,  of  satislaclion. 

**  Matter  of ,  or  several  matters  of ,  as  the  case  may  be. 


58  GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE. 

the  United  Presbyterian of ,  on  the day  of ,  against  Mr.  A.  B. ; 

and  whereas,  the  Lord  Jesus  hath  especially  given  it  in  charge  to  the  judicatories 
of  his  house  not  to  suffer  sin  upon  a  brother,  but.  in  the  fear  of  God,  to  endeavor 
to  reclaim  him  by  authoritatively  admonishing,  rebuking,  and  otherwise  censuring 
him,  all  which  hath  accordingly  been  done :  and  whereas,  he  remaineth  obstinate 
and  contumacious,  without  any  evidence  or  sign  of  repentance  or  sorrow  for  his 
said   scandal  and  offence,  notwithstanding  all  the  reclaiming  means  which  have 

hitherto  been  used  with   him;  therefore  the did,  and  hereby  do.  in   the 

name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the  only  King  and  Head  of 
the  church,  and  according  to  the  powers  committed  by  him  to  them,  as  a  court 
constituted  in  his  name,  actually  excommunicate  the  said  A.  B.,  casting  him  out 
of  the  communion  of  the  church  of  Christ,  declaring  him  to  be  of  those  whom  the 
Lord  Christ  commandeth  to  be  holden  by  all  and  every  one  of  the  faithful  as 
heathen  men  and  publicans,  and  delivering  him  unto  Satan  for  the  destruction  of 
the  flesh,  that  the  spirit  may  be  saved  in  the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

C.  D.,  Moderator. 
E.  F.,  Clerk. 
Done  in ,  this  day  of . 


XVIIL     Form  of  an  Act  of  Absolution  and  Restoration,  as  it  is  to  bb 
Intimated  to  One  who  has  been  ExcoMMu.-iicATED. 

Whereas,  thou,  A.  B.,  hast,  for  thy  sin,  been  shut  out  from  the  communion  of 
the  faithful,  and  hast  now  manifested  thy  repentance,  wherein  the  church  resteth 

satisfied,  the ,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 

and  according  to  the  powers  committed  by  him  to  them,  as  a  court  constituted  in 
his  name,  did,  and  hereby  do,  absolve  thee  from  the  censure  of  e.xcommunication 
formerly  pronounced  against  thee,  and  do  restore  thee  lo  the  communion  of  the 
church,  and  the  free  use  of  all  the  ordinances  of  Christ,  that  thou  mayest  partake 
of  all  its  benefits  to  thy  eternal  salvation. 


XIX.    Form  of  a  Presbtterial  Warrant  for  Intimatino  the  Censure  of 
Excommunication. 

The of  having  found  just  cause  of  excommunication   against 

A.  B.,  on  account  of and  of  aggravated  contumacy  and  impenitence  there- 
in, and  having,  at  their  meeting  at on  the  day  of  ,  excommu- 

cated  him  accordingly,  did,  and  hereby  do.  appoint  you,  Mr.  C.  D.,  minister  of  the 

gospel  at ,  to  intimate  said  censure  to  the  congregation  at   .  the 

day  of ,  in  the  ordinary  place  of  public  worship,  and  immediately    after 

the  conclusion  of  the service,  and  in  the  following  words :  (Here  insert 

the  act  of  excommunication.) 


XX.     Form  of  a  Presbyterial  Warrant  for  Intimating  the  Absolution  and 
Restoration  of  a  Penitent. 

The of having  found  just  and  sufficient  cause  of  absolving  A.  B. 

from  the  censure  of  excommunication  under  which  he  presently  lies,  and  of  restor- 
ing  him    to   the  privileges  of  the   Lord's  house,  and    having  at   their  meeting    at 

on  the day  of  ,  absolved  and  restored  accordingly,  did, 

and  hereby  do.  appoint  and  direct  you.  Mr.  C.  minister  of  the  gospel  at  ,  to 

intimate  absolution  and  restoration   to  the  congregation  at on  the 

day  of ,  in  the  ordinary  place  of  public  worship,  and  immediately  after 

the  conclusion  of  the service,  and  in  the  following  words  :     (Here  insert 

the  act  of  absolution.) 


II.  DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 


CHAPTER  I. 


INTRODUCTORT. 


1.  Definition  of  Worship. — Worsliip  consists  in  the  performance  of 
those  external  acts  and  the  observance  of  those  rites  and  ceremonies,  in 
which  men  engage  with  the  professed  and  sole  view  of  honoring  God 
and  enjoying  his  favor. 

2.  Object  of  Worsliip. — Worship  is  due  to  God  alone,*  and  is  to  be 
offered  only  in  the  way  of  his  appointment. t 

3.  Worshipers. — All  rational  creatures  should  worship  God,  their 
Creator,  Preserver,  and  bountiful  Benefactor.^ 

4.  Kinds  of  Worship. — From  the  difference  in  the  number  and  cir- 
cumstances of  worshipers,  and  not  from  any  difference  in  the  worship  it- 
self, worship  may  be  divided  as  follows:  Public,  Social,  Family,  Secret, 
and  Extraordinary. 

5.  Design  of  a  Directory  for  Worship. — To  set  forth  the  seasons  and 
ordinances  of  worship  as  they  are  appointed  in  the  Holy  Scriptures, § 
as  they  should  de  observed  by  the  church,  is  the  design  of  a  Directory 

for  Worship. 

CHAPTER  II. 

THE  SEASONS    FOR    WORSHIP. 

1.  llie  Sabbath. — Under  the  gospel  dispensation,  the  first  day  of  the 
week,  or  the  Christian  Sabbath,  is  the  only  day  which  God  has  ap- 
pointed to  be  kept  holy.|| 

2.  Sanctiftcation  of  the  Sabbath. — The  Sabbath  should  be  observed  as 
a  day  of  holy  rest  from  worldly  employments  and  pleasures,  and  sliould 
be  spent  in  the  worship  of  God.  AH  should  attend  public  worsliip  and 
earnestly  engage  in  all  its  parts.  So  much  of  the  day  as  is  not  spent  in 
public  worship  should  be  spent  in  private  and  family  devotions,  in  re- 
ligious reading  and  conversation,  and,  when  necessary,  in  the  proper 
works  of  necessity  and  mercy.H 

*  Matt.  iv.  10.  X  Rev.  T.  13.  ||  Acts  xx.  7 ;  Ex.  xx.  8. 

t  Matt,  xxviii.  20.  }  Deut.  xii.  32.  ^  Ex.  xx.  10 ;  Matt.  xii.  11,  12. 

(59) 


60  DIRECTORY    FOR    WORSHIP. 

3.  Special  Days  of  Worship. — In  addition  to  the  Sabbath,  special 
days  of  worship  may  be  appointed  by  the  church  or  state,  when  the 
times  make  such  an  appointment  proper  or  necessary.* 

4.  Morning  and  Evening It  is  especially  appropriate  that  the  morn- 

ino-  and   the  evening  be  observed  as  the  seasons  for  private  and  family 

worship.! 

5.  All  Times. — There  should  be  a  devotional  frame  of  mind  at  all 
times,  so  that  worship  may  be  paid  whenever  circumstances  demand 
it.  J 

CHAPTER  III. 

THE    ORDINANCES    OF    PUBLIC    WORSHIP.' 

1.  Ordinances  of  Public  Worship.-. — The  ordinances  of  God's  word 
are:  Prayer  and  Thanksgiving  in  the  name  of  Christ  ;§  the  Reading, 
Preaching,  and  Hearing  of  the  Word;||  tlie  Administering  and  Receiv- 
ing of  the  Sacraments;^  Church  Government  and  Discipline;**  the 
Ministry  and  Maintenance  thereof; ft  Religious  Fasting; | J:  Swearing 
by  the  name  of  God,  and  Vowing  unto  him§§  [Larger  Catecliism, 
Quest.  108J.  The  Sacramental  Ordinances  are,  Baptism  and  the 
Lord's  Supper. 

2.  Order  of  Exercises Though  the  order  of  the  exercises  of  public 

worship  must  be  left  in  part  to  the  discretion  of  the  officiating  minister, 
yet  the  following  order  may  be  observed:  1.  Invocation;  2.  Singing; 
3.  Reading  the  Scriptures;  4.  Prayer;  5.  Singing;  6.  Sermon;  7. 
Prayer;  8.  Singing ;  9.  Benediction.  On  days  when  the  Sacraments 
are  to  be  administered,  they  may  be  administered  immediately  after  the 
sermon. 

ARTICLE  I. 

THE    READING    OF    THE    SCRIPTURES. 

1.  At  Every  Service A  portion  of  the    Scriptures   should   be  read 

during  every  service. ||||  Each  person  in  the  congregation  should,  at- 
tentively and  devoutly,  follow  the  minister  while  reading. 

2.  Amount  to  he  Read. — How  much  should  be  read,  and  what  selec- 
tion should  be  made,  must  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  minister. 

ARTICLE  II. 

THE    SINGING    OF    PRAISE. 

1.  Matter  of  Praise It  is   the  will  of  God  that  the  sacred   songs, 

contained  in  the  Book  ot  Psalms,  should  be  sung  in  his  worsliip  to  the 
end  of  the  world, ^^  to  the  exclusion  of  the  devotional  compositions 
of  uninspired  men.  The  poetical  version  of  the  Psalms,  now  in'  use, 
shall  be  employed  until  another  shall  be  prepared  and  authorized  by  the 
church. 

*Esth.  iv.  16.  ^  Acts  xxviii.  19.  H  Deut.  vi.  13  ;  Ps. 

fPs.  xcii.  2  **  1  Cor.  xii.  28  ;    Rom.  xii.  8.  Ixxvi.  11. 

j  1  Thess.  V.  17.  ff  1  Tim.  v.  17,  18.  |1||  Acts  xv.  21. 

\  Phil.  iv.  6  ;  Epb.  v.  20.  +j  Joel  ii.  12  ;   1  Cor.  vii.  5.  ^^  Eph.  v.  19. 
li  John  V.  39;  Acts  xv.  21. 


THE    OKDINANCES    OF    PUBLIC    WORSHIP.  61 

2.  Manner  of  Praise — In  praising  God,  we  should  sing  with  the 
spirit  and  with  the  understanding  also,  making  melody  in  our  hearts  to 
the  Lord.*  But  that  God  may  be  praised  in  a  becoming  manner  with 
our  voices,  as  well  as  with  our  hearts,  congregations  should  seek  a  more 
thorough  knowledge  of"  music. 

3.  All  Should  Sing. — Some  suitable  person  or  persons  may  be  em- 
ployed to  lead  in  the  singing,  but  all  the  congregation  should  join  in  this 
exercise  to  the  best  of  their  ability. 

4.  Session  Must  Regulate  the  Singing. — It  belongs  to  Sessions  to  ap- 
point the  leaders  in  their  congregations,  to  regulate  the  singing  of  praise, 
and  to  see  that  this  important  j)art  of  public  worship  is  rendered  ibr  edi- 
fication, and  in  the  best  possible  manner. 

ARTICLE  III. 

THE  OFFERING  OF  PRAYER. 

1.  Invocation. — The  introductory  prayer  should  be  brief,  containing 
petitions  for  God's  presence  and  guidance,  and  his  blessing  on  the  work 
of  the  day. 

2.  Prayer  Before  Sermon. — The  prayer  before  sermon  should  be  com- 
prehensive and  not  tedious,  full  of  adoration,  confession,  thanksgiving, 
supplication  and  intercession  for  all  classes  and  conditions  of  men.f  It 
is  recommended  that  special  prayer  should  be  made  for  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  and  for  all  in  authority.:]: 

3.  Prayer  After  Ser7non — The  prayer  after  sermon  should  relate 
chiefly  to  the  subject  discussed,  beseeching  God  to  impress  his  truth 
upon  the  hearts  of  the  hearers,  and  to  make  it  the  savor  of  life  unto 
life. 

4.  Preparation  for  Prayer. — As  public  prayer  is  very  closely  con- 
nected with  the  edification  and  comfort  of  God's  people,  ministers 
should,  by  meditation  and  secret  prayer,  prepare  to  engage  in  it  in  a 
comprehensive  and  profitable  manner.§ 

ARTICLE  IV. 

THE    PREACHING    OF    THE    WOED. 

1.  Importance  of  Preaching. — As  the  preaching  of  the  "Word  is  of 
chief  importance  as  a  means  of  salvation,  it  should  receive  speeial  atten- 
tion, and  every  minister  should  prepare  for  this  work  with  much  study, 
meditation  and  prayer.  || 

2.  Sermons. — Every  sermon  should  be  founded  on  a  portion  of  Scrip- 
ture, should  explain  the  doctrine  taught  in  it,  and  should  make  a  close 
application  to  the  heart  and  conscience  of  the  hearer,  that  his  life  may 
be  conformed  to  the  will  of  God. 

3.  Expository  Preaching. — The  expository  mode  of  preaching,  or  the 
explaining  of  the  Scriptures  continuously  in  their  connection,  is  believed 
to  be  eminently  conducive  to  edification,  as  it  aflTords  an  opportunity  to 
present  the  truths  of  the  Bible  in  their  variety,  and  their  application  to 
the  diflferent  relations  of  life.^ 


*  1  Cor.  xiv.  15.  %  1  Tim.  ii.  2.  ||  2  Tim.  ii.  15. 

t  l^Tim.  iL  1.  |EccL  ii.  2.  \  Acts  xvii.  2. 


62  DIRECTORY    FOR    AVORSHIP. 

4.  Manner  of  Preaching. — The  minister  should  not  read  his  discourse  ; 
he  should  present  the  truth,  not  in  the  enticing  words  of  man's  wisdom, 
but  in  tiie  simplicity  of  the  gospel  ;  and  his  great  aim  should  be  that  of 
Paul  :  "  We  preach  not  ourselves,  but  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord,  and  our- 
selves your  servants  for  Jesus'  sake."* 

ARTICLE  V. 

THE    ADMINISTRATION    OF    BAPTISM. 

1.  Administrator  and  Subjects  of  Baptism. — Baptism  should  not  be 
administered  by  any  person  but  a  minister  of  the  gospel. t  It  is  to  be 
administered  to  those  who  make  a  credible  profession  of  faith  in 
Christ,!  and  to  the  infants  of  those  who  are  members  of  the  visible 
church  § 

2.  Place  of  Administration It  should  ordinarily  be  administered  in 

the  church  in  connection  with  public  worship.  When  administered  in 
any  other  place,  previous  notice  should  be  given  to  the  congregation, 
and  religious  services  should  be  conducted  in  connection  with  the  ordi- 
nance. 

3.  Mode  of  Baptism. — Immersion  in  water  is  not  necessary  to  the  va- 
lidity of  baptism.  Baptism  is  righifully  administered,  wiien  water  is 
applied  to  the  person  by  pouring  or  sprinkling. || 

4.  Baptism  of  Adults. — Adults  are  to  be  baptized  on  the  public  pro- 
fession of  their  faith  in  Christ  and  obedience  to  him.  The  formula  of 
questions  for  the  admission  of  church  members  may  be  used  in  the  bap- 
tism of  adults,  viz.: 

I.  Do  you  believe  the  Scriptures  of  the  Old  and  New  Testaments 
to  be  the  word  of  God,  the  infallible  and  only  rule  of  faith  and  prac- 
tice ? 

II.  Do  you  profess  your  adherence  to  the  doctrines  received  by  this 
church,  as  set  forth  in  the  Confession  of  Faith,  Catechisms,  Larger  and 
Shorter,  and  Declarations  of  the  Testimony  ;  and  do  you  approve  of  the 
Form  of  Government  and  Directory  for  Worship  adopted  by  this  church, 
so  far  as  you  have  been  enabled  to  understand  them,  as  agreeable  to  and 
founded  on  the  word  of  God  ? 

III.  Do  you  profess  your  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Ciirist ;  your  accep- 
tance of  him  as  your  Saviour,  and  your  resolution,  through  grace,  to 
continue  in  the  faith  ;  to  be  subject  to  the  order  and  discipline  of  God's 
house  ;  to  be  diligent  in  your  attendance  upon  divine  ordinances,  both 
teaching  and  sealing,  according  to  your  profession;  on  secret  i)rayer ; 
on  family  worship,  morning  and  evening,  unless  providentially  hin- 
dered ;  and  in  the  performance  of  all  other  duties  incumbent  on  you, 
whatever  station  you  may  occupy  in  life  ;  that  you  will  study  to  pro- 
mote the  peace,  purity  and  prosperity  of  this  congregation,  while  you 
remain  a  member  thereof ;  and  that  you  will  make  conscience  of  pro- 
moting the  cause  of  Christ  and  his  truth,  as  by  other  means,  so  especially 
by  a  holy  and  godly  conversation  ? 

IV.  Do  you  make  this  profession  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  in  reli- 
ance on  his  grace,  and  as  you  desire  to  give  in  your  account  with  joy  at 
the  great  day  ? 

*2  Cor.  iv.  5.     I  Matt,  xxviii.  19.     J  Mark  xvi.  16.    §  1  Cor.  vii.  14    ||  Mark.  vii.  4. 


THE    ORDINANCES    OF    PUBLIC    WORSHIP.  63 

5.  Baptism  of  Cliildren. — When  tlie  child  to  be  baptized  has  been 
presented  by  its  parents,  or  by  one  ot"  its  parents,  if  only  one  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  church,  let  the  minister  briefly  state  the  nature,  use  and  ends 
of  tliis  ordinance  ;  sliowing  tjiat  it  Avas  instittted  by  Christ  ;  that  it  is  a 
seal  of  tlie  righteousness  of  faith  ;  that  the  water  represents  and  signifies 
both  the  blood  of  Ciirist,  which  cleanseth  from  all  sin,  and  the  sanctify- 
ing influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  that  the  seed  of  the  faithful  have  a 
right  to  this  ordinance  ;  that  the  children  of  believing  parents  are 
federally  holy  ;  that  there  must  be  faith  in  order  to  baptism  ;  and  that, 
as  infants  cannot  believe  for  themselves,  their  parents  must  exercise 
faith  for  tiiem.  Then  let  the  minister  propose  the  following  questions  to 
the  parents  who  have  presented  their  children  for  baptism  : 

{Formula  of  Quesiions.) — i.  Do  you  now  take  God  as  your  God  in 
covenant,  and  as  the  God  of  your  seed  ? 

II.  Do  you  renew  the  profession  you  made  when  you  were  admitted 
to  the  cliurch? 

III.  Do  you  solemnly  promise,  if  God  shall  spare  your  life  and  that  of 
your  children,  to  train  tiiem  up  in  tiie  nurture  and  admonition  of  the 
Lord  ;  to  instruct  them  in  regard  to  their  lost  condition  by  nature,  and 
to  lead  them  to  the  Saviour ;  to  pray  with  them  and  for  them  :  to  wor- 
ship God  regularly  in  your  family  ;  to  set  before  them  an  example  of 
piety  ;  and  to  use  all  the  appointed  means  for  their  salvation  ? 

6.  Applir.ation  of  Wate?\ — When  these  questions  have  been  answered 
in  the  affirmative,  and  when  the  minister  has  prayed  for  the  blessing  of 
God  to  accompany  the  administration  of  the  ordinance,  he  shall  sprinkl<^ 
the  face  of  tlie  child  with  water,  calling  it  by  name,  and  saying :  "  I 
baptize  thee  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  tlie  Holy 
Ghost."  After  this  is  done,  let  him  again  engage  in  prayer,  asking  God 
for  such  blessings  as  are  needful  for  parents  and  their  children. 

ARTICLE  VI. 

THE  ADMINISTRATTOX    OF    THE  LORd's  SUPPER. 

1.  Place,  Administrator,  etc.,  of  the  Lord's  Supper. — The  Lord's  Sup- 
per is  to  be  administered  in  the  churcii,  by  a  minister  of  the  gospel,  and 
none  but  members  of  the  churcli  should  be  admitted  to  this  ordinance.* 
It  is  to  be  celebrated  often,  but  how  often,  the  Session  of  each  congre- 
gation must  determine. 

2.  Previous  Notice  and  Preparatory  Exercises. — Public  notice  should 
be  given  to  the  congregation  at  least  two  Sabbaths  before  the  adminis- 
tration of  the  ordinance,  and  preparatory  services  should  be  conducted, 
in  which  the  people  should  be  instructed  as  to  the  nature  of  the  ordi- 
nance and  the  qualifications  of  communicants. 

3.  Introductory  Services. — When  the  sermon  on  the  communion  Sab- 
bath is  ended,  the  minister  should  show  that  the  Lord's  Supper  is  an  or- 
dinance of  Christ,  by  reading  the  words  of  institution  ;  that  it  is  to  be 
observed  in  remembrance  of  him  ;  that  it  is  profitable  to  strengthen  his 
people  against  sin,  to  support  under  troubles,  to  encourage  in  duty,  to 
increase  faith  and  beget  peace  of  conscience  and  comfortable  hopes  of 

*  Matt.  xxvi.  26. 


64  DIRECTORY    FOR    WORSHIP. 

t'tcrnal  life.  He  should  draw  the  Scripture  distinction  between  him 
iiiat  serveth  God  and  him  tliat  servetli  him  not,  and  solemnly  warn  the 
i<];norant,  the  lieretical,  and  the  immoral,  not  to  approach  the  table  of 
the  Lord.  On  the  other  hand,  he  should  atl'ectionately  invite  those  who 
are  sensible  of  their  lost  and  iielpless  condition,  and  who  are  depending 
on  tiie  atonement  and  intercession  of  Clirist  for  pardon  and  acceptance 
with  God,  to  come  to  tlie  Supper,  that  by  faith  they  may  feed  upon  him 
wliose  flesh  is  meat  indeed,  and  wliose  blood  is  drink,  indeed.* 

4.  Coming  to  the  Table ;  Giving  Thanks — After  tliese  introductory 
services,  let  the  communicants  come  to  the  table,  on  which  the  elements 
are  spread.  wi)ile  a  portion  of  a  Psalm  is  sunjr.  Then  let  the  minister, 
in  imitation  of  tiie  Saviour's  example,  give  thanks  to  God,  and  implore 
his  biessintr  on  the  ordinance.! 

a.  Distributing  the  Bread After  prayer,  let  the  minister   take  the 

bread,  break  it,  and  give  it  to  communicants,  saying  :  "  Our  Lord 
Jesus  Ciirist,  on  the  same  night  in  whicli  he  was  betrayed,  took  bread, 
and  having  given  thanks,  brake  it,  and  gave  it  to  his  disciples,  saying: 
'  Take,  eat  ;  this  is  my  body  which  is  broken  for  you  :  this  do  in  re- 
membrance of  me.'  "1 

G.  Distributing  the  Wine. — Tiien  he  shall  take  the  cup,  and  give  it  to 
communicants,  saying  :  "  Atter  the  same  manner,  our  Lord  took  the 
cup  and  gave  it  to  his  disciples,  saying:  '  This  cup  is  the  New  Testa- 
ment in  my  blood  ;  this  do  ye,  as  oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of 
me.  For  as  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do  shew 
the  Lord's  death  till  he  come.'  "§ 

7.  Address  to  Communicants When  communicants  are  seated  at  the 

table,  the  minister  should  remind  them  of  the  grace  of  God  and  the 
love  of  Christ  as  exhibited  in  this  sacrament,  and  of  their  obligation  to 
live  a  holy  and  consistent  life.  While  the  elements  are  passing,  com- 
municants may  be  left  to  tlieir  own  reflections. 

8.  Concluding  Services The  minister,  at  a  convenient  time,  is  to 

take  his  seat  at  the  table  and  con)municate  with  the  members  of  the 
congregation.  After  all  have  been  at  the  table,  the  service  should  be 
concluded  with  thanksgiving  and  praise. || 

ARTICLE    VII. 

THE    PRONOUNCING    OF    THE    BENEDICTION. 

1.  Dismissing  the  Congregation — At  the  close  of  public  worship,  the 
minister  should  dismiss  the  congregation  with  a  solemn  benediction. 
None  but  a  minister  of  the  gospel  should  perform  this  part  of  public 
worsliip,  and  the  peo[)le  should  wait  with  reverence  and  attention  till  it 
is  ended. ^ 

2.  Form  of  Benediction In  dismissing  the  congregation,  the  follow- 
ing form  of  benediction  may  be  employed  :  "  The  grace  of  the  Lord 
Jesus  Ciirist,  and  the  love  of  God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  be  with  you  all.      Amen."** 

*  1  Cor.  xi.  27-29.  §  1  Cor.  xi.  25.  \  Numb.  vi.  23. 

t  1  Cor.  xi.  24.  IJ  Matt.  xxvi.  30.  **  2  Cor.  xiii.  14. 

X  1  Cor.  xi.  23,  24. 


THE    ORDINANCES    OF    SOCIAL    AVORSHIP.  65 

CHAPTER  IV. 

THE    ORDINANCES    OF    SOCIAL    WORSHIP. 

1.  Prayer  Meetings — When  circumstances  will  admit,  meetings  for 
prayer  should  be  held  in  every  congrej^ation,  at  least  once  during  the 
week.  It  is  the  duty  of  all  tlie  members  of  the  church  to  attend  these 
meetings  for  social  worship.* 

2.  Leaders — The  pastor  of  the  congregation,  or,  if  he  is  not  present, 
an  elder,  or  private  member  of  approved  piety,  should  conduct  the  ex- 
ercises of  the  prayer  meeting. 

3.  Order  of  Exercises Tiie    exercises   should   consist    of  reading 

the  Scriptures,  the  singing  of  Psalms,  the  offering  of  praver,  and  re° 
marks  on  some  portion  of  Scripture  or  suitable  exhoriations,  in  such 
order  as  shall  conduc^i  to  edification.  When  a  minister  is  present,  the 
services  should  be  concluded  with  the  benediction. 

4.  Sessions'  Prayer  MeetiiKjs — Sessions  should  frequently  meet  for 
conference  and  prayer,  when  they  should  consider  the  spiritual  condition 
of  their  congregations,  and  implore  divine  guidance  in  all  that  pertains 
to  their  office. 

5.  Social  Worship  in  Place  of  Preaching When  a  congregation  has 

no  pastor,  or  when  he  is  absent,  it  may  be  profitable  for  t1ie°people  to 
spend  a  part  of  tlie  Sabbath  in  social  worship,  and  if  none  capable  of 
making  appropriate  remarks  are  present,  let  some  one  read  an  evano-eli- 
cal  and  instructive  sermon.  ° 

CHAPTER  V. 

THE    ORDINANCES    OF     FAMILY    WORSHIP. 

1.  Tiyne  of  Family  Worship — Family  worship  should  be  performed 
morning  and  evening,  and  all  the  members  of  the  family  should  be  pres- 
ent.f  ^ 

2.  Leader — The  head  of  the  family  should  ordinarily  conduct  the 
services.  If  the  husband  is  absent  or  disqualified,  the  believing  wife 
should  perform  the  duty.  If  anotlier  person  who  is  qualified  is  present, 
he  may  be  invited  to  lead  in  the  worship. 

3.  Order  of  Exercises — The  exercises  should  consist  of  the  sino-ino- 
of  Psalms,  of  reading  the  Scriptures,  and  of  prayer.  °    ° 

4.  Manner  of  Worship — Family  worship  ought  not  to  be  tedious. 
All  should  join  in  the  singing.  It  may  be  profitable  to  read  the  Scrip- 
tures through  in  course.  The  prayer  should  have  reference  to  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  family,  and  should  include  petitions  for  the  peace  and 
prosperity  of  the  congregation  with  which  it  is  connected  and  of  the 
church  at  large. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

THE    ORDINANCES    OF    SECRET    WORSHIP. 

1.  Importance  of  Secret  Worship — Secret  worship  is  indispensable  to 
personal  holiness.     It  should  be  performed  daily. J 

*  Mai.  iii.  16.         t  Josh.  xxiv.  15  ;  Ps.  xcii.  2.         J  Ps.  cxix.  164;  Matt  vi.  6. 
5 


66  DIRECTORY    FOR    WORSHIP. 

2.  Exercises The  exercises  of  secret  worship  are  reading,  medita- 
tion, self-examination,  prayer  and  praise. 

CHAPTER   VII. 

THE    ORDINANCES    OF     EXTRAORDINARY    -WORSHIP. 

1.  Reason  of  Extraordinary  Worship The  dispensations  of  Provi- 
dence will  sometimes  call  men  to  peculiar  acts  of  worship,  and  it  is 
then  right  to  appoint  days  to  wait  upon  God  in  the  duties  required  by 
the  dispensation.  Such  days  may  be  called  days  of  extraordinary 
worship. 

2.  Authority  for  Extraordinary  Worship. — The  obligation  to  ob- 
serve such  days  does  not  rest  on  human  authority.  It  is  found  in  the 
will  of  God,  revealed  in  his  word,  and  manifested  in  his  providences  ; 
and  when,  in  obedience  to  the  clear  call  of  Providence,  civil  rulers 
recommend,  or  ecclesiasti3al  rulers  appoint,  the  observance  of  such  days, 
the  people  should  heartily  comply. 

3.  Kinds  of  Extraordinary  Worship — The  principal  kinds  of  extra- 
ordinary worship  are,  fasting,  thanksgiving,  and  covenanting. 

ARTICLE  I. 

FASTING. 

1.  Occasions  for  Public  Fasting When  severe  judgments  fall  upon 

a  nation  or  church,  or  if  they  seem  to  be  imminent,  or  if  some  special 
blessing  is  to  be  sought,  God  commands  that  nation  or  church  to  hum- 
ble itself  by  solemn  religious  fasting.* 

2.  Manner  of  Observance On    the  day  appointed  for  fasting,  food 

should  be  abstained  from,  or  taken  sparingly,  and  all  unnecessary 
worldly  labor,  thoughts,  conversation  and  pleasures  should  be  laid 
aside.  As  much  of  the  day  as  is  convenient  should  be  spent  in  the 
public  worship  of  God.  The  exercises  should  be  the  same  as  those  of 
ordinary  public  worship  (see  Chap.  III.)  ;  but  the  Psalms  that  are 
sung,  the  Scriptures  that  are  read,  the  prayers  that  are  offered,  and  the 
sermons  that  are  preached,  should  have  special  reference  to  the  circum- 
stances calling  for  the  fast. 

3.  Private  Fasts. — In  addition  to  these  public  fasts,  other  times  may 
be  observed  by  particular  congregations,  families  or  individuals  under 
special  visitations  of  Providence.  But  the  time  selected  for  such  fasts 
should  generally  be  different  from  that  appointed  by  the  church  or 
recommended  by  the  civil  magistrate. 

ARTICLE  II. 

THANKSGIVING. 

1.  Occasions  for  Thanksgiving — When  God  gives  special  tokens  of 
his  favor  to  a  nation  or  church,  men  should  unite  in  public  thanks- 
giving.t 

2.  Manner  of  Observance A  convenient  portion  of  the  day  ap- 
pointed for  thanksgiving  should  be  spent  in  the  exercises  of  ordinary 
public  worship  (see  Chap.  III.)  ;  but  the  mercies  of  the  past  and  pres- 

*Joel  ii.  12.  t  Esther  ix.  22. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  67 

ent  should  especially  be  remembered,  and  ail  the  services  should  rend 
to  develop  a  grateful  spirit.  It  is  well  to  take  up  a  collection  for  some 
benevolent  object,  and  to  spend  a  portion  of  the  day  in  works  of  Chris- 
tian charity. 

ARTICLE  III. 

COVESANTING. 

1.  Occasions  for  Covenanting. — Covenanting  is  a  duty  in  which  everv 
believer  has  engaged  ;  but  there  is  a  formal  act  of  public  social  covenant- 
ing, in  whicli  congregations  or  churclies  may  engage.  It  is  an  extraor- 
dinary duty  to  which  God's  people  are  called  in  times  of  special  danger 
to  the  church,  or  of  unusual  awakening  and  reformation.  But,  as  cove- 
nanting should  be  entirely  voluntary,  a  refusal  to  engage  in  it  should 
not  expose  an  individual  to  censure  or  reproach.* 

2.  Preparatory  Steps — As  this  duty  is  peculiarly  solemn,  public  no- 
tice of  an  intention  to  engage  in  it  should  be  given  at  least  four  weeks 
beforehand  ;  a  series  of  preparatory  exercises  should  be  conducted,  in 
which  the  minister  should  explain  from  the  Scriptures  the  nature  and 
design  of  the  duty,  and  wliat  is  requisite  in  those  who  covenant  with 
God  ;  days  of  fasting  should  be  observed,  and  much  public  and  private 
prayer  should  be  offered  for  the  Divine  presence  and  the  help  of  the 
Holy  Spirit. 

3.  Manner  of  Observance. — The  form  of  bond  or  covenant,  which 
may  be  prepared  by  each  congregation  for  itself,  or  by  some  superior 
court  of  the  church,  and  wliicli  should  have  special  reference  to  the  cir- 
cumstances calling  for  covenanting,  should  be  carefully  and  prayerfully 
examined  by  the  people  before  the  day  fixed  for  the  solemn  service. 
When  the  day  arrives,  after  the  usual  devotional  exercises  of  public 
worship,  let  a  sermon  be  preached  appropriate  to  the  occasion  ;  let  there 
be  a  brief  rehearsal  of  all  that  has  been  done,  and  of  what  the  people 
should  do  ;  and  then  let  prayer  for  Divine  direction  and  help  be  offered. 
After  the  prayer,  let  each  covenanter  lift  the  right  hand,  while  the  min- 
ister reads  aloud  the  covenant,  and  at  the  close  of  the  reading,  let  each 
bow  the  head  in  token  of  consent.  Then  let  all  come  forward  and  sign 
their  names  to  the  covenant  to  which  they  have  sworn.  Let  the  ser- 
vices be  then  concluded  with  singing,  exhortation,  and  the  benediction. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 
ARTICLE  I. 

SABBATH    SCHOOLS. 

1.  Sabbath  Schools  tinder  the  Control  of  the  Session. — A  Sabbath 
School  should  be  established  in  every  congregation. f  The  children  of 
the  church,  and  those  of  irreligious  parents,  should  be  gathered  into  it. 
It  belongs  to  the  Session  to  appoint  the  superintendent  and  teachers,  to 
provide  suitable  text-books  and  reading  matter,  and  to  exercise  a  gen- 
eral control  over  the  school.     The  pastor  has,  by  virtue  of  his  office,  the 

*Josb.  xxiv.  25.  f  Prov.  xxii.  6. 


08  DIRECTORY    FOR    AVORSIIIP. 

supervision  of  the  whole  school,  and  lie  shall  give  such  instruction  to  the 
superintendent  and  teachers,  and  make  sucli  examination  of  the  scholars, 
as  may  be  proper. 

2.  Superintendent  and  IJis  Duties.. — The  superintendent  should  be  a 
man  of  piety,  and,  if  practicable,  a  member  of  Session.  It  is  his  duty  to 
classify  the  scholars,  to  assign  classes  to  the  teachers,  to  preserve  order 
in  the  school  aud  to  direct  its  exercises. 

3.  Teachers  and  their  Duties — The  teachers  should  be  members  of 
the  church,  and  men  and  women  of  earnest  piety.  It  is  their  duty  to  be 
regular  in  their  attendanct-,  to  instruct  their  scholars  from  the  Holy 
Scriptures,  the  Shorter  Catechism,  and  such  other  text-books  as  may  be 
approved  by  the  Session,  to  record  the  attendance  and  progress  of  their 
scholars,  to  visit  them  during  the  week,  especially  if  absent  on  the  Sab- 
bath, and  to  use  all  proper  means  to  bring  them  to  a  saving  knowledge 
of  the  truth. 

4.  Order  of  Exercises The  school  should  be  opened  and  closed  with 

brief  devotional  exercises,  under  the  direction  of  the  superintendent. 
The  rest  of  the  time  should  be  employed  in  reciting  and  explaining  the 
lessons  of  tiie  day. 

5.  Teachers'  Prayer  3Ieeting. — The  officers  and  teachers  of  the  school 
should  hold  frequent  meetings  lor  conference  and  prayer. 

G.  Library  and   Text-Boohs Tlie   school  should    be  provided  with 

such  catechisms,  papers  and  books  as  present  the  truth  in  a  clear  and 
scriptural  manner,  and  all  books  of  a  secular  or  amusing  character  should 
be  carefully  excluded. 

7.  Mission  Sabbath  Schools. — In  destitute  neighborhoods.  Mission 
Sabbath  Schools  should  be  organized.  In  such  cases,  established  con- 
gregations should  aid  in  furnishing  teachers  and  necessary  appliances 
for  the  work.  ' 

ARTICLE  II. 

CATKCHISING. 

1.  Importance,  Place,  etc.,  of  Catechising. — As  the  duty  of  catechis- 
ing is  of  vital  importance  in  promoting  growth  in  grace,  no  pastor  should 
omit  it.  It  may  be  conducted  either  in  a  private  family,  or  where  a 
number  of  families  is  assembled.  The  classification  of  those  to  be  cate- 
chised, the  time,  ))lace,  and  frequency  of  the  duty,  must  be  left  to  the 
discretion  of  the  Session. 

2.  Manner  of  Catechising. — In  the  performance  of  this  duty,  minis- 
ters should  use  the  Larger  and  Shorter  Catechisms  and  questions  drawn 
from  the  Scriptures.  The  capacity  and  opportunities  of  individuals  are 
always  to  be  considered.  If  any  are  ignorant  or  timid,  kindness  and 
sympathy  should  be  shown  towards  them.  All  should  be  led  from 
first  principles  to  a  knowledge  of  those  less  evident,  that  they  may  even- 
tually be  instructed  and  established  in  the  whole  truth  of  the  Christian 
system.* 

ARTICLE  III. 

FAMILY  VISITATION. 

1.  Design  of  Family  Visitation. — Every  pastor  should  visit  the  fam- 

*Heb.  V.  12. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  69 

ilies  of  his  congregation  from  time  to  time  to  ascertain  their  spiritual 
condition,  and  to  exhort  them  to  the  faithful  performance  of  their  re- 
ligious duties. 

2.  Manner  of  its  Performance. — In  family  visitation,  the  minister 
should  inquire  in  every  household  concerning  the  observance  of  family 
•worship,  and  the  attendance  on  the  outward  and  ordinary  means  of 
grace;  he  should  catechise,  admonish,  reprove,  encourage,  and  comfort, 
as  circumstances  may  require  ;  and  he  should  pray  with  the  family,  af- 
fectionately commending  each  individual  to  the  care  of  God. 

ARTICLE  lY. 

SYSTEMATIC    BENEFICENCE. 

1.  Necessity  of  Systematic  Beneficence. — The  Scriptures  make  it  an 
imperative  duty  to  give  a  portion  of  our  worldly  substance  to  the  Lord. 
And  as  system  contributes  to  success  in  any  work,  every  member  of  the 
church  should  reduce  the  duty  of  beneficence  to  a  system.* 

2.  Amount  to  he  Given. — The  word  of  God  requires  all  to  give  cheer- 
fully, liberally,  regularly,  and  according  as  God  hath  proposed  them.f 

3.  Pastors  Should  Instruct  their  People Pastors  should   frequently 

instruct  their  people  in  regard  to  this  important  duty,  urge  its  perform- 
ance, and  explain  the  design  of  the  different  Boards  of  the  church,  and 
the  character  of  the  work  which  they  supervise. 

\.  If  a  Person  Refuses  to  Contribute. — If  any  person  of  knowm  pe- 
cuniary ability  fails  to  give  to  benevolent  objects,  or  if  he  contributes  in 
a  sparing  manner,  the  Session  should  point  out  his  obligation  as  re- 
vealed in  the  word  of  God,  the  importance  of  the  duty,  and  the  reward 
attending  its  faithful  discharge  ;  and  if  he  still  withholds  from  the  treas- 
ury of  the  Lord,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Session  to  deal  with  him  as  an  of- 
fender. 

ARTICLE  V. 

SOLEMNIZATION    OF    MARRIAGE. 

1.  Marriage. — Marriage  is  a  solemn  contract  between  one  man  and 
one  woman, +  instituted  V)y  God,  and  sanctioned  and  acknowledged  by 
the  civil  law.  Marriage  is  not  peculiar  to  the  church  of  Christ ;  yet  it 
is  the  duty  of  Christians  to  marry  only  in  the  Lord  ;§  and  it  is  becom- 
ing to  have  the  marriage  solemnized  with  a  religious  service,  and  by  a 
minister  of  the  gospel. 

2.  Parties  in  Marriage The  parties  in  marriage  must  not  be  within 

the  degrees  of  consanguinity  or  affinity  prohibited  by  the  word  of  God.|| 
They  must  be  of  years  of  discretion,  and  capable  of  making  their  own 
choice.  If  they  are  under  age,  the  consent  of  their  parents  or  guardians 
should  be  obtained  by  the  minister  before  solemnizing  the  marriage. 

3.  Ceremony  of  Marriage. — The  minister  having  satisfied  himself  that 
the  parties  have  complied  with  the  forms  required  by  the  laws  of  the 
land,  shall  cause  the  parties  to  stand  together  in  the  presence  of  a 
proper  number  of  witnesses,  and  shall  briefly  address  them  in  regard  to 

*2Cor.  ix."?.  |Matt.  xix.  V.  (|  Lev.  xviii. 

fl  Cor.  xvi.  2.  |l  Cor.  vii.  39. 


70  DIRECTORY    FOR    WORSHIP. 

tilt'  institution  of  marriage,  and  the  obligations  tliey  are  about  to  assume. 
Tl.eii,  having  joined  their  right  liands,  he  shall  address  this  marriage 
vow  to  the  man:  "  Do  you,  A.  B.,  take  this  woman,  whom  you  now 
hold  by  the  right  hand,  to  be  your  wedded  wife  ;  and  do  you  solemnly 
promise,  in  the  presence  of  God  and  these  witnesses,  to  be  a  loving  and 
fiiitliful  husband  unto  her,  till  God  shall  separate  you  by  death?" 
"Wlien  this  question  is  answered  in  the  affirmative,  he  shall  address  this 
similar  vow  to  the  woman  :  "  Do  you,  C.  D.,  take  this  man,  whom  you 
now  hold  by  the  right  hand,  to  be  your  wedded  husbapd  ;  and  do  you 
solemnly  promise,  in  the  presence  of  God  and  tliese  witnesses,  to  be  a 
loving,  liiithful.  and  obedient  wife  unto  him,  till  God  shall  separate  you 
by  death?"  AVhen  this  question  is  answered  in  the  affirmative,  the 
minister  shall  say  :  "  I  pronounce  you  husband  and  wife  ;  what,  there- 
fore, God  hath  joined  together,  let  no  man  put  asunder."  He  shall  then 
conclude  the  ceremony  with  a  prayer  for  the  Divine  blessing  to  rest 
upon  the  newly-constiiuted  family. 

4.  When  Solemnized.  —  INIarriage  should  not  be  solemnized  on  the 
Sabbath,  or  on  a  day  of  public  fasting. 

ARTICLE  Vl. 

THE    VISITATION    OF    THE     SICK. 

1.  Sick  Should  Send  for  ihe  Elders — "When  members  of  the  church 
are  visited  with  sickness,  tliev  should  send  for  their  minister  and  elders, 
and  seek  their  counsels  and  prayers.*  But  if  a  minister  or  elder  knows 
of  affliction  in  any  of  the  families  of  the  congregation,  he  should  not 
wait  for  an  invitation  to  visit  them.  Nor  should  he  confine  his  visits  to 
the  sick  of  liis  congreiration. 

2.  Conversation  with  the  Sick — In  conversing  with  the  sick,  care 
should  be  taken  to  meet  the  wants  of  individual  cases.  H'  tlie  sick  is 
ignorant,  he  should  be  instructed;  if  he  is  careless,  lie  should  be  alarmed  ; 
if  he  is  indulging  in  a  false  hope,  he  should  be  warned  ;  if  he  is  a  be- 
liever, and  depressed  in  spirit  and  walking  in  darkness,  he  should  be 
comforted.  The  ability  and  willingness  of  Christ  to  save  are  in  all 
cases  appropriate  subjects  of  conversation. 

3.  Private  Conversations. — As  the  presence  of  friends  and  strangers 
prevents  a  full  statement  of  feelings  and  views,  conversations  with  the 
sick  should  often  be  in  private. 

4.  Prayer  with  tlie  Sick. — After  a  suitable  time  spent  in  conversation, 
the  minister  or  elder  should  pray  wiih  and  for  the  sick.f  The  prayer 
should  be  brief  and  earnest,  and  for  such  things  as  previous  conversa- 
tion has  shown  to  be  needful.  AVhen  thought  proper,  a  portion  of  the 
Scripture  may  be  read  in  connection  with  the  prayer. 

ARTICLE  VII. 

THE     BURIAL     OF    THE    DEAD. 

1.  State  of  the  Dead  Unchangenhle — As  nothing  can  affect  or  change 
the  condition  of  the  dead,  every  thing  which  savors  of  superstition  or 
vain  display  should  be  avoided  at  funerals. 

*  James  v.  14.  f  James  v.  14,  15. 


MISCELLANEOUS.  71 

2.  Not  on  the  Sahhath. — No  funeral  should  take  place  on  the  Sab- 
bath, except  ill  cases  of  absolute  necessity. 

3.  Exercises  at  the  House. — Before  the  body  is  removed  to  the 
grave,  the  minister  may  read  a  portion  of  Scripture,  offer  a  prayer, 
and  make  some  remarks  to  comfort  the  mourners  and  warn  the  living. 


III.   RULES  OF  ORDER. 


OFFICERS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY    AND    THEIR    ELECTION. 

1.  Officers. — The  officers  of  the  Assembly  shall  be  a  moderator,  a 
principal  clerk,  and  a  second  clerk. 

2.  Election  of  Moderator. — Immediately  after  the  constitution  of  the 
Assembly,  the  commissioners  shall,  by  ballot,  choose  one  of  their  num- 
ber to  act  as  moderator  for  tlie  ensuing  year. 

3.  Election  of  Clerks. — The  principal  and  the  second  clerks  shall  be 
elected  by  ballot,  and  their  term  of  office  shall  be  four  years.  They 
may  be  members  of  Assembly  or  not,  as  may  be  deemed  expedient. 

4.  Assistant  Clerk. — At  the  request  of  the  stated  clerks,  the  Assem- 
bly may  choose  an  assistant  clerk  to  serve  during  the  sessions  of  the  As- 
sembly. 

5.  Majority  Necessary  to  Elect. — It  shall  require  a  majority  of  all 
the  votes  cast  to  elect.  In  case  there  is  no  election  on  the  first  ballot, 
the  Assembly  shall  proceed  to  ballot  for  the  two  candidates  having  the 
highest  number  of  votes. 

DUTIES    OF    THE    MODERATOR. 

6.  Constituting  the  Assembly. — At  the  time  appointed,  the  moder- 
ator of  the  last  Assembly,  or  his  alternate,  or,  in  their  absence,  the 
oldest  minister  present,  shall  open  the  meeting  with  a  sermon,  consti- 
tute the  Assembly  with  prayer,  and  preside  until  a  new  moderator  is 
chosen. 

7.  Enforcing  the  Rules. — The  moderator  shall  preside  over  the  As- 
sembly, and  enforce  its  rules  of  order. 

8.  Talcing  the  Vote. — When  the  deliberations  on  a  particular  subject 
are  closed,  the  moderator  shall  give  a  concise  and  clear  statement  of  the 
question,  take  the  vote,  and  announce  the  result  from  the  chair. 

9.  Casting  Vote. — The  moderator  shall  vote  with  the  other  members 
of  the  Assembly  when  the  vote  is  taken  by  ballot.  In  any  other  case,  if 
the  Assembly  is  equally  divided,  he  shall  have  the  casting  vote;  but  if 
he  does  not  choose  to  vote,  he  may  put  the  question  a  second  time,  and 
if  the  result  is  the  same,  the  question  shall  be  lost. 

10.  Deciding  Questions  of  Order. — The  moderator  shall  decide  all 
questions  of  order,  subject  to  an  appeal  to  the  Assembly  by  any  two 
members;  or  he  may,  in  the  first  instance,  submit  the  question  to  the 
Assembly. 

11.  Speaking  from  the  Cfiair. — The  moderator  may,  without  leaving 

(72) 


COMMITTEES.  73 

the  chair,  speak  to  questions  of  order.  But  when  he  would  express  his 
views  on  any  business  before  the  Assembly,  he  must  call  some  member 
to  occupy  the  chair  until  he  has  concluded  his  remarks. 

12.  Nominating  Committees — Unless  otherwise  determined  by  a 
special  motion,  the  moderator  shall  nominate  all  committees,  subject  to 
the  confirmation  of  the  Assembly. 

DUTIES    OF     THE    CLERKS. 

13.  Principal  Clerh The  principal  clerk  shall  keep  a  roll  of  mem- 
bers of  the  Assembly  ;  call  it  at  the  opening  of  each  session  ;  record 
the  transactions  of  the  Assembly  ;  preserve  the  records  and  all  papers 
not  otlierwise  disposed  of,  and  sign  all  orders  and  official  papers. 

14.  Second  Clerk Tlie  second  clerk  shall  have  charge  of  all  papers 

relating  to  statistics ;  prepare  the  forms  ;  take  the  necessary  measures 
for  the  collection  of  full  and  accurate  statistical  information,  and,  in  the 
absence  of  the  principal  cleik,  perform  his  duties. 

15.  Docket. — The  clerks  shall  keep  a  docket  with  a  full  statement  of 
business  referred  by  a  termer  Assembly,  or  left  unfinished  at  a  previous 
session  ;  and  shall  keej)  an  exact  entry  upon  it  of  every  item  accepted 
for  the  considt-ration  of  the  Assembly.  All  papers  not  referred,  and  re- 
ports, shall  he  ])ut  upon  the  docket  in  the  order  in  which  they  are  read, 
unless  otherwise  ordered  by  a  vote. 

QUORUM. 

10.  Of  How  Many  it  Consists. — "  One-third  of  all  the  delegates  duly 
commissioned,  being  assembled  at  the  time  and  place  appointed,  shall 
be  a  finorum  for  tlie  transaction  of  business."  [Form  of  Government, 
Chap,  v..  Art.  4,  Sec.  6.] 

17.  In  Case  there  is  no  Quorum If  a  quorum  is   not  assembled  at 

thp  hour  appointed,  any  two  members  shall  be  competent  to  adjourn 
from  time  to  time,  that  an  opportunity  may  be  given  for  a  quorum  to 
assemble. 

COMMITTEES. 

18.  Standing  Committees — At  the  next  sitting  after  the  election  of 
moderator,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  possible,  the  following  standing  com- 
mittees shall  be  appointed,  namely  : 

1.  A  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures. 

2.  A  Judiciary  Committee. 

3.  A  Committee  on  Narrative  and  the  State  of  Religion. 

4.  A  Committee  for  each  of  the  Boards  of  the  Church, 
o.  A  Committee  on  Sabbath  Schools. 

6.  A  Committee  on  Finance. 

7.  A  Committee  on  Statistics. 

8.  A  Committee  on  Correspondence. 

9.  A  Committee  on  Devotional  Exercises. 

10.  A  Committee  on  Revision. 

11.  A  Committee  on  Nominations. 
[12.  A  Committee  on  Appropriations.] 

19.  Bills  and  Overtures. — The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures 
shall  consist  of  seven  members,  and  be  charged  with  the  consideration 


74  RULES    OF    ORDER. 

of  all  such  proposals  for  public  acts,  or  other  measures  of  general  inter- 
est, as  shall  be  referred  to  them. 

20.  Judiciary.  — The  Judiciary  Committee  shall  consist  of  seven 
members,  and  to  it  shall  be  referred  all  questions  involving  the  interpre- 
tation of  the  existing  laws  and  doctrines  of  the  church. 

21.  Narrative  and  State  of  Jielif/ion. — The  Committee  on  Narrative 
and  the  State  of  Religion  shall  consist  of  live  members,  and  to  it  shall 
be  referred  the  reports  of  Presbyteries.  It  sl)all  prepare  a  statement  of 
the  events  of  the  past  year,  and  of  the  state  of  religion  throughout  the 
church. 

22.  Boards  of  the   Clmrch Tlie  Committees  for  the  Boards  of  the 

Church  shall  consist  of  five  members  each,  and  it  shall   be  the  duty  of 
each  to  review  the  transactions  of  its  Board  and  suggest  new  measures. 

23.  Sabbath  Schools. — Tlie  Committee  on  Sabbath  Schools  sliall  con- 
sist of  five  members,  and  to  it  shall  be  referred  all  reports  and  papers 
relatirig  to  Sabbath  Schools.  It  shall  be  their  duty  to  report  on  the 
Sabbath  Schools  of  the  church,  and  suggest  any  measures  tiiat  would 
increase  their  usefulness. 

24.  Finance. — The  Committee  on  Finance  shall  consist  of  five  mem- 
bers, and  to  it  shall  be  referred  the  reports  of  the  treasurers  of  the  As- 
sembly, and  of  the  Boards,  and  all  papers  relating  to  finances  ;  and  it 
shall  report  necessary  measures  to  secure  liberal  and  systematic  contri- 
butions to  the  funds  and  institutions  of  the  church. 

[Standing  Rule — See  Appropriations. 

All  resolutions  ofiered  in  the  General  Assembly,  and  all  propositions 
coming  from  others  than  Boards  and  Standing  Committees,  appropri- 
ating money,  shall  first  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Finance,  to  be 
examined,  and  their  judgment  reported  before  final  action.] 

2o.  Statistics. — The  Committee  on  Statistics  shall  consist  of  five 
members,  and  to  it  shall  be  referred  all  papers  and  reports  concerning 
statistics,  and  it  shall  propose  any  action  necessary  to  secure  full  and 
correct  statistical  information. 

2G.  Correspondence. — The  Committee  on  Correspondence  shall  con- 
sist of  five  members,  and  to  it  shall  be  referred  all  matters  relating  to 
intercourse  with  other  churches. 

27.  Devotional  Exercises. — The  Committee  on  Devotional  Exercises 
shall  consist  of  five  members,  and  shall  arrange  all  the  religious  exer- 
cises of  the  meeting,  and  nominate  the  preachers  for  the  next  Assem- 
bly. 

28.  Revision. — The  Committee  on  Revision  shall  consist  of  five 
members,  and  to  it  shall  be  referred  the  minutes  of  the  Assembly  and 
of  the  Synods,  and  it  shall  report  on  tlie  manner  in  which  the  minutes 
have  been  recorded,  and  whether  the  proceedings  of  the  Synods  have 
been  according  to  Presbyterial  order. 

29.  Nominations. — The  Committee  on  Nominations  shall  nominate 
to  the  Assembly  persons  to  fill  the  vacancies  occurring  in  all  tlie  Boards. 

\_Appropriaiions. — Consisting  of  one  member  from  each  of  the  com- 
mittees on  the  Boards  and  one  from  the  Committee  on  Finances,  to 
which  shall  be  referred  all  the  estimates  of  the  Boards  and  all  other 
claims  for  money  to  support  the  general  work  of  the  Church,  and 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  report  the  appropriation  for  the  general  work 


ORDER    OF    BUSINESS.  75 

entrusted  to  the  Boards  or  special  agencies,  and  to  recommend  proper 
measures  to  secure  liberal  and  systematic  contributions  to  the  funds  and 
institutions  of  the  church.      See  Appropriations,  Sec.  2.] 

30.  Credentials. — The  Assembly  shall,  during  its  sessions,  appoint  a 
Committee  on  Credentials,  consisting  of  two  members,  whose  duty  it 
shall  be  to  prepare  the  roll  for  the  next  Assembly. 

31.  Notification  of  Committees — Tiie  chairman  of  each  committee 
shall  be  furnished  with  a  list  of  itg  members,  and  a  copy  of  th'^  minute 
of  their  appointment,  when  it  contains  any  specifications  of  their  duty, 
togetiier  with  all  papers  referred  to  them. 

32.  Reports  of  Committees — The  report  of  a  committee,  presented  at 
the  regular  time  in  order  of  business,  may  be  accepted  without  a  motion, 
unless  it  contains  something  objectionable  to  the  Assembly.  But  at 
any  other  time  it  may  be  accepted  only  on   motion. 

33.  Discharge  of  Committee — The  acceptance  of  a  report  discharges 
the  committee  from  the  further  consideration  of  the  business,  unless  by 
vote  recommitted  to  it. 

34.  Committee  of  the  Whole — As  it  may  sometimes  answer  valuable 
ends  for  the  members  of  the  Assembly  to  confer  together  on  certain  sub- 
jects in  a  manner  which  would  not  consist  with  the  strict  rules  of  the 
court,  the  Assembly  may  resolve  itself  into  a  "  Committee  of  the 
"Whole,"  or  extra-judicial  conference. 

3 .'j.  Rules — The  moderator  of  the  Assembly  shall  appoint  a  chairman 
to  preside,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  report  to  the  Assembly  business 
thus  extra-judicially  transacted.  The  rules  of  the  Assembly  shall  be 
observed  as  far  as  they  are  applicable  in  the  Committee  of  the  Whole, 
excepting  that  the  previous  question  cannot  be  called,  the  ayes  and 
nays  required,  nor  can  there  be  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the 
chair. 

36.  Report — The  Committee  of  the  Whole  cannot  adjourn;  it  must 
always  rise  and  report  to  the  Asseml)ly.  If  the  business  referred 
thereto  is  not  finished,  the  Committee,  through  the  chairman,  "  reports 
progress,  and  asks  leave  to  sit  again,"  which  the  Assembly  may  grant 
or  refuse,  at  its  discretion. 

ORDER    OF    BUSINESS. 

37.  Each  session  of  the  Assembly  shall  be  opened  and  closed  with 
prayer. 

The  order  of  business  at  every  session,  unless  suspended  by  a  vote  of 
two-thirds,  shall  be  as  follows  : 

1.  Calling  the  roll  and  marking  absentees. 

2.  Hearing  the  excuses  of  absentees,  and  censuring  them,  if  their  ab- 
sence appears  to  have  been  unnecessary. 

3.  Reading  and  approving  the  minutes. 

4.  The  presentation  of  letters,  papers,  petitions,  or  matters  requiring 
reference. 

5.  The  presentation  of  reports  from  standing  and  select  committees. 

6.  Unfinished  business. 

7.  New  business,  in  the  order  in  which  it  was  put  on  the  docket. 


76  RULES  OF  ORDER. 


MOTIONS. 

38.  iVo  Action  or  Speaking  Without  a  Motion — The  Assembly  can- 
not act  but  in  virtue  of  a  motion  regularly  in  its  possession  ;  and  no 
speaking  shall  be  allowed  without  a  formal  motion,  unless  it  is  for  ex- 
planation, or  on  questions  of  privilege. 

39.  Motions  Must  be  Seconded  and  Announced — No  motion  shall  be 
in  possession  of  the  Assembly  until  it  is  seconded  and  announced  by 
the  moderator  in  the  words  of  the  motion. 

40.  3Iotions  Reduced  to  Writing  --Every  motion  and  amendment  shall 
be  reduced  to  writing,  if  the  moderator  or  any  member  desires  it. 

41.  Name  of  Mover,  etc..  Recorded. — The  names  of  tlie  person  who 
moves,  and  of  "the  person  who  seconds  a  motion,  may  be  entered  upon  the 
minutes  at  the  discretion  of  the  clerk. 

42.  Withdrawiny    a  Motion Any   member    who  makes   a    motion, 

shall  have  the  liberty  to  withdraw  it,  with  the  consent  of  his  second, 
before  any  debate  has  taken  j)lace  thereon,  but  not  afterwards,  without 
the  leave  of  the  Assembly. 

43.  Privileged  Questions. — "When  a  question  is  under  consideration, 
no  motion  shall  be  received  except  "  to  adjourn,"  "to  lay  on  the  table," 
for  "  the  previous  question,"  "  to  postpone  indefinitely,"  *•  to  postpone  to 
a  time  certain,"  "to  commit,"  or  "to  amend;"  and  these  motions 
shall  have  precedence  in  the  order  in  which  they  are  arranged. 

44.  Use  to  be  Made  of  Privileged  Questions. — These  privileged  ques- 
tions are  not  designed  to  separate  amendments  or  appendages  from  the 
main  question,  and  consequently  cannot  be  moved  on  each  other,  but 
upon  the  main  question  ;  except  "  to  adjourn,"  and  "  to  postpone  to  a 
time  certain,"  may  be  amended  as  to  the  time  ;  and  "  to  commit"  may 
be  amended  in  the  question  of  the  committee,  and  instructions. 

45.  Motion  to  Adjourn. — A  motion  to  adjourn  is  always  in  order,  ex- 
cept when  the  Assembly  is  taking  a  vote,  or  when  a  member  is  speak- 
ing. 

46.  Previous  Question. — Auy  two  members  may  call  for  the  Previous 
Question,  which  shall  be  put  in  this  form  :  "  Shall  the  main  question 
now  be  put  ?"  If  seconded  by  a  majority  of  the  members  present,  all 
debate  shall  cease,  and  the  Assembly  shall  vote,  first  on  pending 
amendments,  if  any,  and  then  upon  the  main  question. 

47.  No  Debate  after  Previous  Question  is  Called. — All  incidental 
questions  of  order  arising  after  a  motion  is  made  for  the  Previous  Ques- 
tion, and  pending  such,  shall  be  decided,  whether  on  appeal  or  other- 
wise, without  debate. 

48.  Motion  to  Lay  on  the  Table. — The  motion  "  to  lay  on  the  table  " 
has  for  its  object  the  temporary  removal  of  business  from  the  consider- 
ation of  the  Assembly,  and  if  decided  in  the  affirmative  on  the  main 
question  or  on  the  amendment,  removes  the  whole  subject  from  before 
the  Assembly,  until  it  is  again  taken  up. 

49.  Indefinite  Postponement. — When  any  question  is  postponed  in- 
definitely, the  same  shall  not  be  acted  upon  again  during  the  entire 
meeting  of  the  Assembly,  except  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  As- 
sembly. 

50.  Order  of  the  Day When   a  question   is  postponed  to  a  "  time 


DEBATE.  77 

certain,"  it  becomes  the  "order  of  tlie  day  "  for  that  time,  and  takes 
the  precedence  of  all  other  business. 

51.  Amendments. — Motions  are  always  open  to  amendment,  even  to 
the  complete  alteration  of  the  motion. 

52.  Number  of  Amendments. — An  amendment  may  itself  be  amended, 
but  no  further  complication  in  this  way  shall  be  permitted  ;  and  this 
last  amendment  shall  be  considered  tirst. 

53.  Substitutes — Substitutes  for  motions  or  resolutions  may,  with  the 
consent  of  the  Assembly,  be  admitted  instead  of  the  original  motion  and 
its  appendages  ;  but  the  effect  of  a  substitute  is  to  supersede  the  original 
motion  altogether. 

54.  Division  of  Question. — If  the  question  in  debate  contain  several 
points,  any  two  members  may  have  the  same  divided,  provided  the  di- 
vision called  for  embodies  a  distinct  principle,  or  statement  of  fact. 

i>i).  Questions  not  Debatable. — All  motions  "  to  put  on  the  docket," 
"  to  adjourn,"  "  for  the  previous  question,"  "  to  lay  on  the  table,"  "  to 
take  up  business,"  in  relation  to  the  priority  of  business,  and  the  ad- 
mission of  substitutes,  shall  be  decided  without  debate. 

5G.  Reconsideration A  motion  for  reconsideration  can  be  made  only 

by  a  member  who  voted  with  the  majority,  and  unless  by  consent  of  two- 
thirds  of  the  membei-s  present,  can  be  entertained  only  when  offered  at 
the  same,  or  next  subsequent  sitting  of  the  Assembly. 

57.  Notice  of  Motion. — A  motion  on  any  subject  connected  with  the 
doctrine,  discipline,  government,  or  order  of  the  church,  shall  not  be 
considered  until  the  second  sitting  after  the  one  at  which  it  is  offered. 

DEBATE. 

58.  Obtaining  the  Floor. — When  a  member  desires  to  address  the  As- 
sembly, he  must  rise  and  address  the  moderator,  and  he  may  not  pro- 
ceed until  the  moderator  recognizes  him,  and  announces  his  name. 
The  moderator  shall  always  give  the  floor  to  the  member  who  first  ad- 
dresses him,  or  to  the  one  farthest  from  the  chair  when  two  or  more  ad- 
dress him  at  the  same  time. 

59.  DecoTnim  of  Members. — Every  member,  when  speaking,  shall  ad- 
dress himself  to  tiie  moderator,  and  to  no  other  person,  except  through 
the  moderator;  he  shall  treat  his  fellow  members,  and  especially  the 
moderator,  with  decorum  and  respect,  and  shall  attend  closely,  in  his 
speech,  to  the  question  under  consideration. 

60.  Calls  to  Order. — If  any  speaker  acts,  in  any  respect,  in  a  dis- 
orderly manner,  it  shall  be  the  privilege  of  any  member,  and  the  duty 
of  the  n-oderator,  to  call  him  to  order;  and  a  member  thus  called  to  order 
shall  immediately  take  his  seat,  until  it  is  determined  whether  he  was 
out  of  order  or  not,  or  until  leave  is  given  him  by  the  Assembly  to  pro- 
ceed. 

Gl.  Number  of  Speeches. — On  questions  of  order,  postponement,  com- 
mitment, or  matters  which  have  been  discussed  in  Committee  of  the 
Whole,  no  member  shall  speak  more  than  once,  without  express  leave 
of  the  Assembly.  On  all  other  questions,  each  member  may  speak 
twice. 

62.  End  of  Debate. — When  the  moderator  has  risen  to  take  the  vote, 
no  further  debate  or  remark  shall  be  admitted,  unless  there  has  evi- 


78  RULES    OF    ORDER. 

dently  been  a  mistake  ;  in  tliis  case,  the  mistake  shall  be  rectified,  and 
he  shall  recommence  taking  the  vote. 

VOTING. 

63.  Taking  the  Vote Before   taking  the  vote,  the  motion   shall   be 

repeated  by  tiie  moderator,  who  shall  put  the  question  in  the  following 
form  :  "  As  many  as  are  in  favor  of  the  motion  will  say.  Aye."  After 
the  affirmative  is  ex[)ressed  :  "  As  many  as  are  opposed  will  say,  No.'^ 

64.  Division If  tliere  is  any  doubt  as  to  the  result  of  the  vote,  the 

moderator,  or  any  member,  may  call  for  a  division  of  the  house  :  the 
moderator  shall  tlien  repeat  the  motion,  and  shall  require  the  Ayes  to 
rise  and  be  counted,  and  then  the  Nays  to  rise  and  be  counted  in  like 
manner,  and  siiall  pronounce  accordingly. 

65.  Ayes  and  Nays One-fourth  of  the  members  present  may  de- 
mand the  Ayes  and  Nays  on  any  question  ;  the  roll  shall  then  be  called, 
and  the  vote  of  each  member  recorded  in  the  minutes. 

66.  Non-Voters Members,  without  weighty  reasons,  are  not  to  de- 
cline voting.  Silent  members,  unless  excused  from  voting,  are  reckoned 
•with  the  majority. 

67.  Interested  Parties No  member  shall  have  the  privilege  of  vot- 
ing on  a  question  in  which  he  is  personally  interested,  or  in  any  case 
where  he  was  not  present  when  the  question  was  put,  unless  with  the 
consent  of  the  Assembly. 

68.  Filling  BJanls "When  various  propositions  are  made  with  re- 
spect to  filling  blanks  with  particular  numbers,  sums,  or  times,  the 
question  shall  always  be  on  the  highest  number,  the  largest  sum,  and 
the  longest  or  remotest  time. 

69.  Appeals. — Any  two  members  feeling  aggrieved  by  a  decision  of 
the  moderator  may  appeal  to  the  Assembly,  whose  determination  of  the 
matter  shall  be  final.  The  question  shall  be  put  in  this  form  :  "  Shall 
the  decision  of  the  moderator  be  sustained?" 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

70.  Leave  of  Absence No  member  may  absent  himself  from  the 

sessions  of  the  Assembly  without  its  consent. 

71.  Private  Sessions. — The  Assembly  has  the  right  to  sit  with  closed 
doors  on  business,  which,  in  its  judgment,  ought  not  to  be  made  a 
matter  of  public  notoriety. 

72.  Final  Adjournment. — The  Assembly  shall  close  its  meeting  with 
prayer,  singing,  and  the  benediction. 

73.  Printing  Minutes. — The  minutes  of  the  Assembly  shall  be  pub- 
lished by  the  Board  of  Publication,  under  the  direction  of  the  clerks,  as 
soon  as  possible  after  the  adjournment. 

74.  Amendments. — These  rules  of  order  may  be  suspended  or  amended 
by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  the  Assembly. 

75.  Rules  in  Lower  Courts All  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  Sessions, 

under  the  care  of  the  Assembly,  are  directed  to  observe  these  rules  of 
order  so  far  as  applicable. 


IV.  DIGEST. 


PEINCIPAL  ACTS  AND  DELIVERANCES  OF  THE 
GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 


I.  AMUSEMENTS. 


Dancing,  Theatrical  Exhibitions,  &c. — Resolved,  That  the  mem- 
bers of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  be  exhorted  to  avoid  all  asso- 
ciation with  men  of  the  world  in  vain  and  ensnaring  recreations,  such 
as  promiscuous  dancing,  theatrical  exhibitions,  and  such  like  amuse- 
ments as  are  adapted  to  alienate  the  affections  from  God,  and  expose 
the  Christian  character  to  reproach ;  and  that  pastors  and  Sessions  be 
careful  to  warn  those  under  their  care  in  relation  to  the  danger  of  hav- 
ing any  fellowship  with  the  world  in  any  such  practices.  Vol.  I,  p. 
120,  1860. 

The  question  which  this  Assembly  is  asked  to  answer  is  the  follow- 
ing, viz.:  ''  Is  the  mingling  of  the  sexes  in  the  dance  in  a  private  house, 
where  only  the  moral  and  respectable  are  permitted  to  participate,  a 
violation  of  the  law  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  when  the 
parties  engaged  in  the  dance  are  members  of  her  communion?" 

In  the  judgment  of  your  committee  the  deliverance  of  the  General 
Assembly  in  its  action  of  the  year  1860  was  intended  to  define  "  promis- 
cuous dancing"  as  one  of  the  "  vain  and  ensnaring  recreations"  of  the 
men  of  the  world,  and  that  for  members  of  the  church  to  engage  in  the 
promiscuous  dance,  even  with  one  another,  is  to  have  fellowship  with 
the  world  in  its  sinful  recreations.  And  that  said  deliverance  of  the 
Assemldy  upon  this  subject  is  a  distinct  and  unequivocal  disapproval  of 
such  practices. 

We  recommend  for  adoption  the  following: 

Resolved,  That  the  petitioners  be  referred  to  the  deliverance  of  the 
Assembly  in  its  action  upon  the  subject  of  amusements,  in  1860,  as 
giving  a  full  and  explicit  answer  to  their  question.     Vol.  V,  p.  15,  1879. 

II.  APPEALS. 

1.  Parties  to  an  Appeal. — [In  M'Cune's  case,  Rev.  Samuel  Wil- 
son and  others,  members  of   Synod,  appealed  from  a  decision  of  the 

(79) 


80  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Second  Synod,  and  tlie  Synod  was  recognized  by  the  Assembly  as  a 
party.     Vol.  II,  pp.  395,  413,  1867.] 

In  an  appeal  from  a  lower  court,  the  lower  court  becomes  a  party  in 
the  case  before  the  higher  court,  and  appears  there  as  such  by  its  author- 
ized agents.     Vol.  II,  p.  409,  18G7. 

[In  Gordon's  appeal,  the  appeal  was  declared  inadmissible  because 
the  appellants  were  not  original  parties  in  the  case,  and  because  tiie  in- 
terests of  truth  and  righteousness  were  not  injuriously  affected  by  the 
decision  of  the  Synod.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  420,  1872.] 

[In  McCaughan's  second  appeal,  the  appeal  was  declared  inadmis- 
sible because  the  parties  against  whom  the  decision  was  made  did  not 
appeal,  and  it  is  not  alleged  that  the^iui'ity  of  the  Cliurch  or  the  inter- 
ests of  trutli  and  rigliteousness  were  injuriously  affected  bv  the  decision. 
Vol.  VII,  j).  210.  1889.1 

2.  Parties  Must  be  Heard  Before  Judgment. — The  Presbytery 

of  Des  Moines  refused  to  grant  the  petition  of  certain  memorialists  on 
the  alleged  ground  that  they  were  not  in  good  standing  as  members  of 
the  Church. 

Resolved,  That  the  appeal  be  sustained  because  the  lower  courts 
passed  judgment  on  the  memoralists  unheard.  Vol.  VI,  p.  679,  1887. 
[See  McCaughan's  first  Appeal.] 

3.  Papers  in  the  Case  of  an  Appeal  may  be  Amended. — 

[An  appeal  from  tlie  Second  Synod  was  endorsed  by  the  moderator  of 
that  Synod  as  having  been  put  in  his  hands  on  a  certain  date,  which 
was  two  days  over  the  time  specified  in  the  Book  of  Discipline.  It  ap- 
pearing from  the  statement,  both  of  the  ap[)ellants  and  of  tlie  moderator, 
that  the  appeal  with  the  reasons  thereof  was  placed  in  his  hands  before 
the  exj)iration  of  the  specified  time,  he  was  permitted  to  correct  his  en- 
dorsement by  the  following  action  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  moderator  of  the  Second  Synod  is  hereby 
permitted  to  am  mend  his  endorsement  of  the  appeal  according  to  the 
facts. 

2.  That  upon  this  correction,  the  Assembly  proceed  to  the  issuing 
of  the  appeal.  Vol.  II,  p.  398,  1867.  [A  dissent  against  this  action 
was  entered,  Vol.  II,  p.  401,  1867,  and  answered,  Vol.  II,  p.  408, 
1867.] 

3.  The  Right  of  Members  of  a  Lower  Court  to  Vote  in  the 

Case  of  an  Appeal. — The  following  amendment  was  submitted  to  the 
Presbyteries  as  a  separate  overture  :  Strike  out  the  last  clause  in  Book 
II,  Chap.  XII,  Sec.  2,  and  insert  the  following  :  "  When  a  matter  is 
transferred  in  any  of  these  ways  from  an  inferior  to  a  superior  judica- 
tory, tlie  inferior  judicatory  shall,  in  no  case,  be  considered  a  party,  ex- 
cept in  cases  of  declinature  ;  but  its  members  shall  have  the  right  to 
sit,  deliberate  and  vote  in  the  higher  courts.  Vol.  I,  p.  351,  1862. 
[The  vote  on  this  overture  was,  ayes,  275  ;  nays,  192  ;  not  voting,  13. 
Vol.  I,  p.  490,  1863.  The  Book  of  Government  and  Discipline, 
adopted  in  1866,  declares  that  "  the  members  of  the  inferior  court  shall 
have  the  right  to  sit  and  deliberate,  but  not  to  vote."  In  the  case  of 
an  appeal  from  the  Synod  of  Illinois,  a  question  relative  to  the  right  of 
the  Synod  to  vote  was  raised,  when  the  following  resolution  was  of- 
fered :] 


APPEALS.  81 

Resolved,  That  Section  3,  Chapter  XII,  in  the  Book  of  Government, 
is  not  considered  by  this  Assembly  as  giving  it  authority  to  exclude  any 
Synod  in  the  Assembly  from  voting  on  an  appeal,  except  in  motions 
where  the  Synod  is  a  party  in  the  case. 

*     *     The  following  amendment  was  offered  : 

Inasmucli  as  the  question  as  to  members  of  an  inferior  court  voting 
in  a  superior  in  all  cases  of  judicial  transfer  was,  by  the  General  As- 
sembly, overtured  some  time  ago  to  the  Presbyteries  and  decided  in  the 
affirmative  by  the  large  majority  of  eighty-three  votes  ;  and  inasmuch 
as  this  decision,  coming  from  tlie  Presbyteries,  became  virtually  from 
that  time  forth  the  law  of  the  church  on  this  subject  and  wanted  only 
the  formality  of  enactment  on  the  part  of  the  Assembly  of  being  regu- 
larly and  fully  said  law  ;  and  inasmuch  as  it  is  a  notorious  fact  that  the 
rule  on  this  subject  in  our  Book  of  Government  is,  through  oversight  on 
the  part  of  the  church,  entirely  inconsistent  with  said  decision  ;  there- 
fore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  matter  be  overtured  anew  to  the  Presbyteries 
for  final  decision. 

2  That  in  the  meantime,  the  previous  decision  of  the  Presbyteries 
on  this  subject  be  accepted,  as  the  law  by  which  we  are  to  be  governed. 

This  amendment  was  laid  upon  the  table.  The  moderator  decided 
that  the  members  of  the  Synod  of  Illinois  had  not  a  right  to  vote  on  the 
question  of  the  adoption  of  the  report.  An  appeal  was  taken  from  this 
decision,  but  it  was  not  sustained.  Vol.  II,  pp.  394,  395,  18G7.  [A 
dissent  with  reasons  was  entered,  Vol.  II,  p.  39a,  and  answered,  Vol. 
II,  p.  409,  1867.] 

5.  Rights  of  a  Member  of  a  Court  pending  an  Appeal  affect- 
ing his  Seat. — [A  question  was  raised  as  to  the  right  of  James  Skinner 
to  act  with  the  Session  of  the  First  Church  of  Washington,  Iowa,  while 
the  appeal  was  pending  concerning  his  right  to  a  place  in  the  Session. 
On  this  question  the  Synod  of  Iowa  took  the  following  action:  ^'^  Re- 
solved, That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Synod,  he  is  entitled  to  sit  and  act 
with  the  Session."  From  this  a(!tion  an  appeal  was  taken  to  the  As- 
sembly.    The  Assembly  took  the  following  action  :J 

Resolved,  That  no  further  proceedings  in  this  case  are  necessary.  Vol. 
VI,  p.  680,  1887.     [See  Dawson's  second  Appeal.] 

r..  Proposed  Amendment  to  the  Article  on  Appeals  in  the 

Book  of  Government. — The  amendments  suggested  would  not  mater- 
ially improve  the  present  article  on  appeals.  *  *  * 

Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  matter  of  revising  Article  III,  Chapter  XII,  of 
the  Book  of  Government,  be  indefinitely  postponed.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  287, 
1871. 

7.  Presbyteries  may,  in  Exceptional  Cases,  Appeal  Directly 

to  the  Assembly. — The  Presbyter}'  of  Oregon  signify  ti)eir  cordial  re- 
ception of  the  Testimony  and  other  doctrinal  standards  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  ;  but  owing  to  their  remote  position,  they  reserve 
the  right  of  final  jurisdiction  over  all  matters,  except  such  as  may  be 
appealed  directly  to  the  General  Assembly  ;  and  moreover,  reserve  the 
right  of  sending  delegates  to  the  General  Assembly,  as  they  may  deem 
expedient. 
6 


82  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Hesolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  cordially  acquiesce  in  the  pro- 
posal of  the  Presbytery  of  Oregon,  and  regard  it  as  one  of  the  Presby- 
teries under  its  care.     Vol.  I,  p.  107,  18(50. 

The  Presbyteries  of  Egypt  and  Sialkot  are  isolatf'.d  and  without 
Synodical  control,  and  *  *  from  the  nature  of  the  case  have  practi- 
cally synodical  powers.      Vol.  V,  p.  29,  1879. 

8.  Appeal  Cases  Reported  in  this  Digest. — The  following  ap- 
peal cases  are  reported  in  this  Digest  under  their  appropriate  headings: 
On  Marriage  with  a  Deceased  Wife's  Sister;  of  James  Dawson,  (first 
and  second);  of  James  Donaldson;  of  Kev.  J.  C.  E^vans  ;  of  Rev.  R. 
Gailey  ;  of  Rev,  H.  Gordon  ;  of  A.  Grant ;  of  Adam  Green  ;  of  Rev.  W. 
R.  Hutchison  ;  of  Rev.  C.  T.  McCaughan,  (first  and  second);  of  Ellen 
Marshall  and  otliers  ;  of  Rev.  J.  T.  Tate  ;  of  Rev.  S.  Wilson. 

III.  APPROPRIATIONS. 

1.  Standing  Rule  on  Appropriations. — Resolved  o.    That  the 

following  be  adopted  as  a  standing  Rule  : 

All  resolutions  otiered  in  the  General  Assembly,  and  all  propositions 
coming  from  others  than  Boards  and  Standing  Committees,  appropria- 
ting money,  shall  first  be  referred  to  the  Committee  of  Finance,  to  be 
examined,  and  their  judgment  reported  before  final  action.  Vol.  V,  p. 
358,  1881. 

2.  A  Committee  on  Appropriations. — [The  representatives  of 

the  several  Boards  asked  that  there  be  added  to  the  Standing  Commit- 
tees of  the  General  Assembly  a  Committee  on  Appropriations,  con- 
sisting of  one  member  from  each  of  the  committees  on  the  Boards,  and 
one  from  the  committee  on  Finance,  to  which  shall  be  referred  all  the 
estimates  of  the  Boards  and  all  other  claims  for  money  to  support  the 
general  work  of  the  Church,  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  report  the 
appropriations  for  the  general  work  entrusted  to  the  Boards  or  to  special 
agencies,  and  to  recommend  proper  measures  to  secure  liberal  and  sys- 
tematic contributions  to  the  funds  and  institutions  of  the  Church. 
Thereupon  the  General  Assembly  adopted  the  following :] 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  on  appropriations  be  appointed,  in  accor- 
dance with  the  request  of  the  representatives  of  the  Boards  of  the 
Church.     Vol.  VII,  p.  33,  1888. 

IV.  ARMY  AND  NAVY. 

The  Religious  Interests  of  the  Army  and  Navy.— [A  paper 

was  presented  to  the  Assembly  from  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of 
the  Chaplains  of  tlie  army,  asking  the  Assembly  to  unite  with  other  evan- 
gelical Churches  in  petitioning  Congress  to  increase  the  number  of 
chaplains,  and  to  take  measures  for  the  amelioration  of  the  condition  of 
the  soldiers.     The  following  was  adopted  by  tlie  Assembly :] 

Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  is  in  hearty  sympathy  with 
every  proper  movement  now  being  made  lor  the  improvement  of  the 
moral  and  spiritual  condition  of  our  soldiers  and  marines,  and  would 
adopt,  as  expressive  of  its  sentiments  on  this  subject,  the  following  sug- 
gestions of  the  aforementioned  communication  : 


THE    ASSEMBLY    MONTHLY.  83 

1.  The  appointment  of  chaplains  in  such  number  as  to  provide  for 
every  post  occupied  by  troops. 

2.  A  movement  to  secure  the  convocation  of  the  chaplains  in  annual 
session  for  conference  about  their  work,  and  for  devisin^  new  and  im- 
proved methods.  ° 

3.  The  setting  apart  of  the  Sabbatii  on,  or  immediately  preceding,  the 
fourth  of  July  as  Army  and  Navy  Dav,  on  which  one  service,  at  least, 
will  be  held  in  connection  with  that  patriotic  occasion,  when  special 
prayers  shall  be  offered,  and  the  attention  of  the  congregations  called  to 
the  duty  of  the  Church  toward  the  naval  and  military  forces  of  the 
country,  whicii  are  maintained  for  the  supremacy  of  authority  and  de- 
fence of  our  borders,  who,  by  the  manner  of  life  required  in  the  service 
of  their  country,  imperil  both  soul  and  body  for  the  common  good. 

4.  That  gambling  be  prohibited  in  the  army  and  navy. 

5.  That  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage  be  prohibited. 

6.  That  the  rights  of  Christian  ofHcers  and  men  to  a  conscientious 
observance  of  the  holy  Sabbath  be  guaranteed  against  invasion  by  su- 
periors in  requiring  any  duty  not  exigent  and  unavoidable. 

7.  That  a  commission  of  five,  with  a  corresponding  secretary,  be  ap- 
pointed to  co-operate  with  like  commissions  from  other  Churches  in  ob- 
taining as  soon  as  possible  the  legislation  necessary  to  secure  the  above 
mentioned  improvement  in  the  moral  and  religious  condition  of  our 
soldiers  and  marines ;  and  also  to  act  as  a  Board  to  examine  and  re- 
commend for  appointment  to  the  position  of  chaplain,  such  ministers  as 
may  apply  for  such  a  position.     Vol.  VII,  p.  22G,  1889. 

[The  commission  reported  that  there  is  a  sad  neglect  on  the  part  of 
our  Government  in  providing  for  the  religious  and  moral  interests  of  our 
soldiers,  and  that,  although  Congress  had  not  taken  action,  some  pro- 
gress had  been  made  towards  the  object  in  view.  The  Assembly 
approved  what  had  been  done,  and  continued  the  committee.  Vol. 
VII,  pp.  429,  501,  1890.] 

During  the  past  year  a  "  Union  Christian  Commission  "  has  been 
organized,  consisting  of  all  the  chaplains  of  the  army  and  the  chairmen 
of  the  committees  appointed  by  the  churches  in  the  interest  of  the  moral 
and  religious  welfare  of  the  army  and  navy.  The  first  meeting  of  said 
Christian  Commission  was  held  at  Washington,  D.  C,  December  10, 
1890.  The  objects  of  the  commission  are  the  promotion  of  the  intellec- 
tual, moral  and  religious  welfare  of  the  army  and  navy,  by  su-^aesting 
and  urging  national  legislation  and  administration,  securing  weThquali- 
fied  chaplains,  encouraging  Sabbath  observance,  promoting  temperance, 
multiplying  libraries  and  reading  rooms,  and  awakening  the  sentiment 
of  the  nation  to  a  sense  of  its  obligations  to  this  class  of  our  fellow- 
citizens,  and  insisting  that  moral  qualifications  be  made  the  condition  of 
promotion  in  the  army.      *      *      * 

[The  Assembly  approved  the  report,  and  appointed  a  committee  to 
continue  the  work.     Vol.  VII,  pp.  G23,  731,  1891.] 

V.  ASSEMBLY  MONTHLY. 

[The  General  Assembly,  Vol.  V,  p.  3G2,  1881,  directed  the  Perma- 
nent Committee  on  Finance  to  publish  a  little   monthly  paper,  giving 


84  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OV    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

information  respecting  the  operation  and  wants  of  all  the  Boards  of  the 
Church,  and  helpful  suggestions  as  to  tlie  duty,  privilege  and  best  means 
for  securing  the  largest  contributions  of  money  for  the  work  of  Chris- 
tian beneficence.  Tlie  committee  reported  to  the  following  Assembly, 
recommending  the  re-organization  of  tlie  committee  with  special  refer- 
ence to  this  work,  and  sugsesting  metiiods  for  the  introduction  of  the 
paper  into  every  family  of  the  Church. 

The  General  Assembly  appro\ed  the  plans  of  tlie  Permanent  Com- 
mittee, and  constituted  tlie  committee  of  seven  persons,  each  to  serve 
for  three  years  ;  recommended  pastors,  Sessions,  financial  agents,  super- 
intendents of  missions  and  the  people  in  general,  to  co-operate  with  the 
committee  in  securing  the  introduction  of  tiie  paper  into  every  family  of 
the  Church;  and  authorized  the  Committee  to  draw  on  the  Board  of 
Publication  for  an  amount  not  exceeding  $800,  to  defray  the  expenses 
of  publication  until  subscriptions  would  be  received  and  the  paper  be 
self-sustaining.     Vol.  V,  p.  540,  1882. 

The  Committee  reported  to  the  following  Assembly  that  eight  num- 
bers had  been  issued,  and  that  the  appropriation  had  not  been  called  for. 
The  Assembly  renewed  the  appropriation  and  the  recommendation  con- 
cerning the  introduction  of  the  paper,  and,  also,  authorized  tlie  com- 
mittee to  secure  the  services  of  two  ladies  to  conduct  the  ladies'  de[)art- 
ment  of  the  paper.     Vol.  V,  pp.  730,  791,  1883. 

Deeply  impressed  with  the  need  of  such  a  paper  as  The  Assemble/ 
Monthly,  and  being  satisfied  that  much  good  had  been  done,  the  Assem- 
bly transferred  the  publication  of  the  paper  from  the  Committee  on 
Finance  to  the  Board  of  Publication.      Vol.  VI,  p.  36,  1884. 

Tlie  Board  of  Publication  reported,  that  there  had  been  a  loss  in  the 
publication,  and  that  "in  our  judgment  the  paper  does  not  accomplish 
good  commensurate  with  the  cost  of  publishing  it."  Whereupon  the 
General  Assembly  adopted  the  following:] 

Resolved,  That  the  publication  of  the  Assembly  Monthly  be  discon- 
tinued.    Vol.  VJ,  pp.  229,  277,  1885. 

VI.     ASSOCIATE  SYNOD. 
Transfer  of  Funds  from  the  Associate  Synod.— [The  Associate 

Synod  ap|)ears  in  the  proceedings  of  the  General  Assembly  only  in  con- 
nection with  the  transfer,  management  and  settlement  of  what  is  com- 
monly known  as  the  "  Speers  Estate."  For  a  full  record,  see  Speers 
Estate.] 

VII.     ASSOCIATE  REFORMED  SYNOD  OF  THE  SOUTH. 
1.    Correspondence  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of 

the  South. — Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  ajipoint  a  deputation  to 
carry  our  salutations  to  the  Synod  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Presby- 
terian Church  South,  to  meet  in  Winnsborough,  South  Carolina,  and 
invite  them  to  open  a  correspondence  with  this  Assembly  by  delegation. 
Vol.  II,  p.  487,  1868.  [Tlie  next  Assembly  received  a  communication 
from  a  committee  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod,  "  setting  forth  that 
for  the  present  it  is  not  expedient  that  a  correspondence  be  established 
between  the  churches,"  when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 


ASSOCIATE    REFORMED    SYNOD    OF    THE    SOUTH.  8.J 

^  Resolved,  That  another  commissioner  to  the  Associate  Reformed 
Synod  of  the  South  be  not  appointed  until  such  time  as  we  may  be 
assured  by  that  body  of  a  readiness  to  enter  into  a  friendly  corresi)ond- 
ence  with  us.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  1  ],  186U. 

[A  delegate  from  the  Associate  Reformed  Svnod  of  the  South  pre- 
sented credentials  and  was  received  by  the  Assembly  in  1873,  and  the 
Assembly  adopted  the  following  :] 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  will  appoint  a  delegation  to  attend  the 
next  meeting  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South  /»=  *  * 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  515,  1873.  [Correspondence  by  delegates  has  been  con- 
tinued since  tliat  time.] 

2.  Co-operation  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the 

South  m  Mission  Wor)s.— Resolved.  That  this  Assembly  will  ap- 
point a  delegation  to  attend  tiie  next  meeting  of  the  Associate  Reformed 
Synod  of  the  South,  and  assuring  its  members  of  our  fraternal  regards, 
and  of  our  desire  for  its  prosperity  in  the  maintenance  and  extension  of 
the  truth,  invite  them  to  co-operate  with  us  in  the  Home  and  Foreign 
Mission  work,  and  in  mutual  efforts  to  promote  the  cause  of  our  common 
Lord.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  515,  1873. 

Resolved,  That  in  view  of  the  sympathy  that  it  is  believed  there  is  be- 
tween the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South  and  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  in  their  principles,  faith  and  usages  in  the  wor- 
ship  of  God,  and  in  view  of  the  work  that  it  is  also  believed  is  openin^^ 
up  for  these  churches  together,  in  home  and  foreign  fields,  the  Assemt 
bly  deem  it  entirely  desirable,  and  indulge  the  hope  that  it  is  practicable, 
that  they  should  be  brought  into  an  organic  union  as  soon  as  the  provi- 
dence of  God  shall  indicate  that  the  time  has  come  for  it.  Vol  IV  n 
10,  1874.  '  ^* 

Resolved,  That  [a  committee]  be  appointed  to  confer  with  the  com- 
mittee appointed  by  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South  in  re- 
lation to  co-operation  in  mission  work.  Vol.  IV,  p.  177,  1875.  [This 
joint  committee  prepared  the  following  basis  of  co-operation,  which  was 
approved  by  the  Assembly.      Vol.  IV,  p.  314,  1876.] 

In  view  of  the  common  origin  and  substantial  unity  of  the  churches 
represented,  the  following  resolutions  were,  after  mature  consideration, 
unanimously  adopted: 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Presbyteries  r)f  each  body  shall  sustain  the 
same  relation  to  those  of  the  otiier  as  they  do  to  the  co-ordinate  courts 
of  their  own  ;  and  that  the  ministers  and  licentiates  of  each  shall  be  eli- 
gible to  appointments  and  settlements  in  the  congregations  of  the  other. 

2.  That  the  courts  of  each  shall  respect  the  discipline  of  the  other. 

3.  That  the  ministers  and  members  of  the  two  bodies  are  recom- 
mended to  cultivate  friendly  relations  and  Christain  fellowship  with 
each  other  as  God,  in  his  providence,  may  offer  opportunity. 

4.  That  the  two  bodies  shall  co-operate  in  the  several  departments  of 
work  on  the  following  plan  : 

I.  That  the  existing  relations  of  the  two  churches  in  regard  to  the 
work  of  Foreign  Missions  shall  be  continued. 

II.  That  in  the  Home  field  neitiier  body  shall  interfere  with  the 
other  ;  but  that  either  may  grant  such  aid  in  men  and  means  as  may  l»e 
requested  by  the  proper  authorities  of  the  other. 


86  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

III.  That  the  two  bodies  shall  co-operate  in  building  up  and  sustain- 
ing the  Normal  or  Training  School  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church 
for  the  Freedmen,  established  at  Knoxville,  Tennessee,  the  great  object 
of  which  is  to  furnish  teachers  and  preachers  for  that  class  of  people. 

IV.  That  in  the  cause  of  Church  Extension,  we  recommend  the  same 
co-operation  as  in  the  work  of  Home  Missions. 

V.  That  in  the  work  of  Publication,  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod 
of  the  South  co-operate  in  the  support  of  the  Board  of  the  I'nited  Pres- 
byterian Church;  that  the  Synod  shall  have  a  claim  on  the  Board  to  an 
amount  in  books,  at  wholesale  value,  equal  to  their  contributions,  and 
that  the  Board  supply  the  churclies  and  individuals  of  the  Synod  with 
such  publications  as  they  may  need  on  tlie  most  favorable  terms. 

5.  That  in  the  judgment  of  tlie  members  ol  the  Joint  Committee,  the 
providence  of  God  seems  to  be  o|)ening  the  way  for  closer  relations  be- 
tween the  two  churches  represented  by  them,  and  they  recommend  that 
the  ministers  and  members  of  the  churches  look  forward  to  such  event 
as  one  that  promises  much  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  advancement  of 
his  cause. 

6.  Tiiat  the  foregoing  action  of  the  Conference  be  published  in  the 
periodicals  of  the  two  churches,  and  recommended  to  the  General  As- 
sembly of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  and  the  Associate  Reformed 
Synod  of  the  South  for  their  adoption.      Vol.  IV,  p.  358,  1870. 

4.  Tliat  the  Board  [of  Home  ^lissions]  be  authorized  to  give  assist- 
ance to  the  Associate  Reformed  Church  of  the  South,  if  in  its  judgment 
tlie  prospects  of  the  field  will  justify  it,  in  establishing  Psalm-singing 
congregations  in  imjjortant  centres  in  the  South.  Vol.  VII,  p.  IG, 
1888. 

?.  Union  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South. 

— Resolved,  Tliat  in  view  of  tlie  sympathy  that  it  is  i)elieved  there  is 
between  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  tlie  South  and  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  in  their  princi[)les,  faith,  and  usages  in  the  wor- 
ship of  God,  and  in  vi<jw  of  the  work  that  it  is  also  believed  is  opening 
up  for  these  churches  together,  in  home  and  foreign  fields,  the  Assembly 
deem  it  entirely  desirable,  and  indulge  the  hope  that  it  is  practicable, 
that  they  should  be  brought  into  an  organic  union,  as  soon  as  the  provi- 
dence of  God  shall  indicate  that  the  time  has  come  for  it. 

Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  will  appoint  delegates  to  attend  the 
next  meeting  of  the  Synod  of  that  church,  and  that  these  delegates  be  in- 
structed to  act  as  divine  Providence  shall  direct  in  regard  to  the  propriety 
of  proposing,  or  acceding  to  the  appointment  of  a  committee  of  Assem- 
bly, to  confer  with  a  similar  committee  appointed  by  the  Synod,  on  the 
whole  subject  of  co-operation  or  organic  union.     Vol.  IV,  p.  10,  1874. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly  to 
confer  with  any  similar  committee  that  may  be  appointed  by  the  Associ- 
ate Reformed  Synod  of  the  South,  to  which  the  general  subject  of  union 
between  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  and  the  Associate  Reformed 
Synod  shall  be  referred;  said  committee  to  report  to  the  next  General 
Assembly.     Vol.  IV,  p.  314,  1876. 

[This  committee  was  continued.  Vol.  IV,  pp.  454,  1877  ;  575,  1878  ; 
Vol.  V,  pp.  32,  1879;  203,  1880;  363,  1881  ;  535,  1882;  715,  1883.] 

Resolved,  2.     That    negotiations    be    continued    with    the    Associate 


ASSOCIATE  REFORMED  SYNOD  OF  THE  SOUTH.         87 

Reformed  Synod  of  the  South,  with  the  earnest  hope  that  such  suggestions 
may  be  proposed  by  our  brethren,  or  such  methods  adopted  by  the  joint 
committee,  as  will  direct  all  the  issues  in  this  case  to  the  glory  of  God, 
the  good  of  his  cause,  and  the  honor  of  our  respective  Chui'ches.  Vol. 
Y,  p.  203,  1880. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  and  submit  to  the  Assembly 
for  its  action,  such  propositions  as  express,  in  definite  form,  the  proper 
course  for  this  Assembly  to  pursue  for  the  speedy  consummation  of  the 
union  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South.  [The  com- 
mittee reported,  and  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  tlie  present  Committee  of  Conference  with  the 
Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  tl)e  South  be,  and  is  hereby  authorized  to 
submit  to  said  Synod  the  following  terms,  upon  which  tlie  United  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Nortii  America  is  willing  and  desirous  to  consummate 
without  delay  the  union  of  these  two  bodies,  viz  : 

1.  That  in  the  negotiations  tliat  may  be  carried  on,  and  in  the  United 
Church,  if  our  two  bodies  are  brought  together,  there  shall  not  be  any 
reference  to  past  issues,  and  confessions  of  guilt  or  mistakes  shall  not  be 
implied  or  expected  or  asked  for  by  either  party. 

2.  There  shall  not  be  prepared  any  formal  new  basis  of  union,  but  an 
agreement  of  the  two  Churches  to  come  together,  each  accepting  the 
other's  standards,  and  the  Churches  thus  united  to  be  under  the  juris- 
diction of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church, 
with  tlie  same  privilege  of  dissent  as  to  particular  articles  always  ac- 
corded to  our  own  members,  and  with  tlie  understanding  that  the  same 
forbearance  in  love  be  extended  to  any  who  may  not  be  able  to  fully 
subscribe  to  these  standards,  so  long  as  no  determined  opposition  is  made 
to  them,  and  subject  also  to  such  revision  of  these  standards  as  may  be 
desirable  to  more  perfectly  harmonize  tlie  United  Church. 

Mesoh^ed,  2.  That  this  Assembly  empower  the  Committee  of  Confer- 
ence with  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South  with  all  the 
powers  of  this  Assembly  to  act  as  a  commission  in  the  submission  of 
these  propositions  and  in  the  acceptance  of  such  action  as  may  be  taken 
by  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South,  and  in  the  adoption  of 
such  other  arrangements  as  may  be  deemed  necessary  for  the  consum- 
mation of  this  proposed  union,  and  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly  for 
the  ratification  of  the  work  thus  done.      Vol.  V,  pp.  344,  347,  1881. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Conference  be  continued,  with  in- 
structions to  act  as  directed  in  the  proposition  for  union  adopted  at  the 
last  Assembly,  in  case  there  is  occasion  for  it,  and  report  to  the  next 
Assembly.     Vol.  V,  p.  535,  1882. 

[A  "general  plan  of  union  "  was  prepared,  at  an  informal  conference 
of  the  delegates  of  the  General  Assembly  and  of  tlie  Associate  Reformed 
Synod  to  the  joint  Committee  of  Conference  of  the  Psalm-singing 
Churches,  and  submitted  to  the  Assembly.  It  was  adopted,  and  a  Com- 
mittee of  Conference  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South 
was  appointed.     Vol.  VI,  pp.  296,  227,  243,  1885.] 

[The  Committee  of  Conference  met  with  the  Associate  Reformed 
Synod  of  the  South  at  its  meeting  at  Due  West,  S.  C,  September  26, 
1885,  and  reported  to  the  Assembly  a  basis  of  union.  The  Assembly 
adojited  the  following:] 


88  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Whereas,  The  union  of  these  churches,  so  closely  allied  in  doctrine, 
government,  worship  and  history,  is  higlily  desirable;  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Basis  of  Union  adopted  by  the  Joint  Conference 
be  sent  down  in  overture  to  the  Presbyteries,  according  to  and  in  the 
terms  of  its  recommendation,  the  vote  thereon  to  be  taken  during  the 
year  and  reported  to  tlie  next  General  Assembly. 

The  basis,  as  reported  by  the  Joint  Committee,  is  as  follows: 

1.  The  Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms,  as  now  received  by  both 
Churches,  together  with  the  Testimony  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  shallbe  the  doctrinal  standards  of  the  united  Church,  with  the 
explicit  understanding  that  the  forbearance  in  love,  which  tlie  law  of 
God  requires,  sliall  be  exercised  towards  any  brethren  who  may  not  be 
able  fully  to  subscribe  to  all  the  Articles  of  the  Testimony,  provided 
they  siiall  not  determinedly  op})Ose  them,  and  shall  follow  the  things 
which  make  for  jjcace,  and  things  wherewith  one  may  edify  another. 

2.  The  arrangement  concerning  details,  until  the  interests  of  the 
united  Church  require  a  change,  sliall  be  as  follows: 

(1)  The  respective  Presbyteries  and  Synods  of  the  two  Churches 
shall  remain  as  at  present  constituted. 

(2j  The  Supreme  Court  of  the  Church  shall  be  a  General  Assembly, 
composed  of  delegates  from  the  respective  Presbyteries,  the  number  of 
delegates  to  be  according  to  the  proportion  of  ministerial  members  con- 
stituting eacli  Presbytery,  as  now  fixed  by  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church. 

(3)  The  different  Boards  and  institutions  of  the  respective  Churches 
shall  not  be  affected  by  this  union,  but  shall  have  control  of  Iheir  own 
funds  and  shall  conduct  their  operations  as  heretofore;  and  the  Asso- 
ciate Reformed  Synod  of  the  South  shall  retain  its  name  and  all  its  cor- 
porate rights  and  privileges,  and  be  controlled  by  its  Book  of  Govern- 
ment, Discipline  and  Worship,  as  at  present.     Vol.  VI,  p.  437,  1886. 

[The  following  was  adopted  on  the  overture  on  union  with  the  Asso- 
ciate Reformed  Synod  of  the  South:] 

The  reports  show  that  all  the  Presbyteries  in  this  country  voted,  ex- 
cept Argyle  and  Minnesota.  The  votes,  as  reported,  stand  as  follows: 
Ayes,  743;  noes,  117;  excused,  18;  whole  number,  878.  One  Pres- 
bytery (Pawnee),  while  declining  to  vote  in  favor  of  the  overture, 
"mainly  because  that  Church  has  declined  entering  the  union  on  the 
basis  proposed,"  nevertheless  gives  it  as  their  judgment  "that  such 
union,  whenever  it  can  be  effected  on  terms  satisfactory  to  both  parties, 
is  demanded  by  the  interests  of  Christ's  cause  as  committed  to  these 
Churches."     Therefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  overwhelming  majority  of  tiie  Church  have 
declared  their  desire  and  readiness  for  union  with  the  Associate  Re- 
formed Synod  of  the  South  on  the  basis  proposed,  whenever  that 
Church  is  ready  to  adopt  it. 

2.  That  no  further  action  is  required  by  the  Assembly  on  this  over- 
ture.    Vol.  VI,  p.  659,  1887. 


89 


VIII.  BAPTISM. 


1.  Arian  Baptism. — "Are  Sessions,  in  receiving  persons  from  that 
denomination  ot  Arians  called  '  Christian?,'  to  require  that  they  be  re- 
baptized  ?"  In  our  judgment  such  applicants  for  fellowship  in  the 
church  should  be  regarded  as  unbaptized  persons,  inasmuch  as  a  com- 
munity of  Arians,  denying  the  true  and  proper  divinity  of  Jesus  and  his 
atonement,  by  whatever  name  they  may  be  denominated,  is  not  en- 
titled to  be  considered  as  a  part  of  the  visible  church  of  Christ.  Vol.  I, 
p.  112,  1860. 

2.  Papal  Baptism. — [The  question  of  the  validity  of  Papal  Baptism 
•was,  by  the  Assembly  of  18G9,  referred  to  a  special  committee.  This 
committee  presented  a  report,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  151,  1870,  when  the  follow- 
ing resolution  was  passed  by  a  vote  of  77  to  19  :] 

Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  Papal  Baptism 
should  not  be  regarded  as  valid.     Vol.  Ill,  j).  151,  1870. 

[This  resolution  was  afterwards  reconsidered,  when  the  following 
was  adopted  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  :] 

Whereas,  The  subject  of  Papal  Baptism  is  one  of  great  importance, 
and  one  on  which  theie  is  a  diversity  of  opinion  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  Tliat  the  Assembly  overture  to  the  Presbyteries  the  follow- 
ing question  :     Is  Papal  Baptism  valid?     Vol.  Ill,  p.  151,  1870. 

[The  vote  on  this  overture  was  ayes,  41  ;  nays,  494  ;  not  voting,  82. 
The  following  resolutions  were  then  unanimously  adopted  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  hereby  declare  that  the  question  overtured  on 
the  validity  of  Papal  Baptism  is  answered  in  the  negative. 

2.  That  while,  as  a  general  rule,  Papal  Baptism  should  be  regarded 
as  invalid,  yet,  as  it  is  believed  by  many  in  the  church  that  there  are 
important  exceptions  to  this  rule,  therefore  this  Assembly  judges  it  ex- 
pedient to  leave  the  question  of  re-baptizing  persons  from  the  Papal 
Church  to  the  discretion  of  Sessions.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  282,  1871. 

3.  Baptism  by  Immersion. — To  the  question  submitted  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Northern  Indiana,  "  Whether  it  is  lawful  for  a  United 
Presbyterian  minister  to  administer  baptism  by  immersion  ?"  we  an- 
swer :  The  Confession  of  Faith,  Chap.  XXVIII,  Section  3,  teaches  as 
follows,  viz  :  ''  Dipping  of  the  person  into  tlie  water  is  not  necessary, 
but  baptism  is  rightly  administered  by  pouring  or  sprinkling  water 
upon  the  person."  Tiie  Directory  for  Worship,  Chapter  I,  Article  5, 
Section  3,  teaches  as  follows,  viz.:  ''Immersion  in  water  is  not  necessary 
to  the  validity  of  baptism.  Baptism  is  rightfully  administered  when 
water  is  applied  to  the  person  by  pouring  oi'  sprinkling."  Hence,  the 
position  occupied  by  us  as  to  immei-sion  is,  that  whilst  this  method  is  a 
legal  mode,  yet  its  expediency  in  ordinary  cases  must  be  questioned  if 
the  request  for  its  observance  involves  a  failure  to  recognize  also  the 
scriptural  validity  of  pouring  and  sprinkling.  A  United  Presbyterian 
minister  may,  in  the  spirit  of  Christian  forbearance,  in  extraordinary 
cases,  baptize  a  person  by  immersion  who  does  not  make  opposition  to  the 
general  practice  of  the  Church.  Immersion  is  admissible,  but  pouring 
and  sprinkling  are  preferable,  because  these  modes  are  more  in  accord- 
ance with  that  which  baptism  is  intended  to  signify  and  represent. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  34,  1888. 


90  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

4.  Baptism  may  not  be  Repeated. — But  in  no  case  shall  baptism 
be  repeated.      Vol.  VI 1,  p.  oi,  IHJS-S. 

5.  Duty  of  Christian  Parents. — Resolved,  3,  That    *    *    *  we 

ur^-e  pastors  and  Sessions  to  impress  the  duty  of  consecrating  infants  to 
God  in  baptism  on  tlie  minds  of  Christian  parents.  Vol.  VII,  p.  653, 
1891. 

G.  Formula   of  Questions    for   Baptism.— /t'esofcec?,  That  the 

committee  on  the  Directory  for  "Worsliip  be  instructed  to  prepare  a 
formula  of  questions  to  be  used  in  the  administration  of  baptism,  and 
that  when  adopted,  said  formula  be  inserted  in  tlie  Directory  for  Wor- 
ship and  the  Book,  of  Discipline  ;  and  further,  that  in  the  applica- 
tion of  this,  and  the  formula  in  the  case  of  admission  of  memljers.  Ses- 
sions are  affectionately  recommended  to  use  great  tenderness  towards 
the  weak,  or  such  as  are  earnestly  inquiring  after  the  truth.  Vol.  II, 
p.  31,  1864. 

IX.     BIBLE  IX  THE  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS. 

Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  earnestly  recommends  to  its 
members  the  diligent  persual  of  the  Scriptures  for  their  personal  profit, 
and  the  use  of  such  works  as  may  lead  them  to  a  better  understanding 
of  the  truth,  and  so  be  more  successful  in  teaching  their  children  ;  to 
carefully  practice  the  truth,  and  to  use  all  proper  means  to  secure  the 
use  of  the  Bible  in  the  schools  of  our  land,  so  that  the  word  of  God  may 
be  glorified  in  the  future  even  more  than  in  the  past.  Vol.  IV,  p.  321, 
187G. 

Whereas,  The  Bible  is  the  great  Magna  Charta  of  all  that  is  high- 
est and  best  in  morality,  and  the  most  potent  factor  in  promoting  a  true 
education  ;   and, 

Whereas,  The  Suf)reme  Court  of  Wisconsin  has  affirmed  that  the 
Bible  is  a  sectarian  book  and  its  use  in  the  public  schools  unconstitutional; 
and. 

Whereas,  A  foreign  hierarchy,  existing  in  our  midst  with  tremen- 
dous influence,  is  seeking  to  have  the  Bible  expelled  from  our  common 
schools  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  we  see  in  all  this  not  only  a  blow  struck  at  the  Bible, 
but  also  at  our  free  school  system,  and  therefore  at  the  freedom  of  our 
nation. 

2.  That  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  welfare  of  the  Republic, 
as  well  as  to  the  eificiency  of  our  school  system,  that  the  Bible  occupy  a 
place  in  our  educational  institutions. 

3.  That  we  stand  ready  to  join  hands  with  all  other  Christians  in  the 
effort  to  keep  and  restore  this  book  of  God  to  its  true  and  proper  place 
in  our  public  schools,  so  that  they  may  not  become  nurseries  of  vice  and 
crime  rather  than  of  virtue.     Vol.  VII,  p.  422,  1890. 

X.     BIBLE   SONGS. 

1.  Music  for  Sabbath  Schools.  Resolved,  4.  That  a  committee 
be  appointed  to  prepare  and  publish  a  book  of  selections  of  Psalms  set 
to   music,  especially  for  the  Sabbath  Schools,  it  being  understood  that 


biblp:  songs.  91 

the  version  used  be  such   as   the  church  has  authorized.     Vol.  IV,  p. 
579,  1878. 

[The  committee  reported  that  one  hundred  and  fifty  selections  had 
been  made  from  the  Psalms,  to  which  an  equal  number  of  tunes,  old  and 
new  in  about  equal  proportion,  had  been  adapted.  The  General  As- 
sembly expressed  "  high  appreciation  of  the  earnestness  and  diligence  of 
the  committee,"  and  adopted  the  following  ;] 

I^esolved,  2.  That  the  committee  be  instructed  to  carefully  revise  its 
work,  keeping  in  view  tlie  principle  of  adhering  exclusively  to  our 
authorized  Psalmody,  and  publish  it  without  any  unnecessary  delay. 

3.  Tliat  this  committee  be  instructed  to  have  special  reference  in  all 
its  selections  of  music  to  congregational  singing,  and  to  avoid  such  fre- 
quent repetitions  and  responses  as  are  not  clearly  suggested  by  the  lan- 
guage of  the  Psalms.     Vol.  Y,  pp.  IG,  82,  1879. 

[The  committee  reported  that  "  the  selections  had  been  revised,"  and 
that  "  such  changes  in  the  work  had  been  made  as,  in  judgment  of  the 
committee,  were  necessary  to  bring  it  into  harmony  with  the  require- 
ment of  the  Assembly."] 

Resolved.  That  the  Assembly  appoint  a  committee,  which  is  hereby 
directed  before  the  issue  of  the  next  edition  of  "  Bible  Songs,"  so  to  re- 
vise the  book  as  to  make  it  conform  to  the  instructions  on  that  subject, 
given  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1879,  (see  Minutes,  vol.  v,  page  16,) 
and  ref)ort  its  revision  to  the  next  Assembly  for  approval.  Vol.  V,  pp, 
248,  191,  1880. 

[The  committee  reported,  "  asking  the  Asseml)ly  to  excuse  them 
from  undertaking  the  work  that  has  been  assigned  them.  Two  of  the 
members  of  this  committee  were  members  of  the  original  committee  to 
prepare  the  book.  They  *  *  are  not  able  to  proceed  further  to  revise 
the  book  without  further  and  more  specific  instructions  from  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly.  *  *  The  majority  (of  the  committee)  are  unable  to  un- 
dertake the  work  on  account  of  the  general  principle  involved.  *  *  The 
principle  of  preparing  and  authorizing  a  '  book  '  of  praise,  for  the  use  of 
Sabbath  schools,  consisting  of  selections  from  the  Book  of  Psalms,  in- 
stead of  the  Book  itself,  is  subversive  of  the  position  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  on  the  subject  of  psalmody."  The  Assembly 
adopted  the  following  :] 

1st.  That  the  request  of  the  Committee  on  Revision  of  Bible  Songs 
be  granted. 

2d.  That  the  restrictions  of  the  last  Assembly  placed  upon  the  Board 
of  Publication  be  removed,  and  that  the  Board  be  authorized  to  publish 
''  Bible  Songs  "  to  meet  the  demand  of  the  church.  Vol.  V,  pp.  413, 
34G,  1881. 

2.  Bible  Songs  Revised  and  Enlarged. — 4,  There  seems  to  be  a 

demand  for  a  revision  and  enlargement  of  the  Bible  Songs.  This  little 
book  has  proved  to  be  a  help,  and  greatly  improved  the  singing  of  our 
Sabbath  Schools.  It  will  continue  to  do  so  even  as  it  is,  but  there 
would  be  even  greater  advantage  and  improvement  by  adding  to  the  se- 
lections made,  with  music  adapted;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Publication  be  and  hereby  are  instructed 
to  take  charge  of  this  work  at  once,  with  instructions  as  follows,  viz.: 
To  revise  the  book  now  in  use,  add  to  the  selections  at  least  as  many 


92  iJir, KST  ov    riiK  acts   or  the  assembly. 

more,  with  suitable  music,  publish  the  new  music  in  the  quarterlies 
from  time  to  time  so  far  as  possible,  and  take  time  to  so  perform  the 
work  that  there  may  not  be  any  occasion  for  another  work  of  this  kind 
for  many  years  to  come.      Vol.  VI,  p.  070,  1887. 

3.  One  Version  of  each  Psalm  to  be  used  in  Bible  Songs. — 4. 

That  as  the  General  Assembly  directed  the  Board  to  "  Revise  and  en- 
large the  Bible  Songs,"  we  recommend  that  at  least  one  version  of  each 
Psalm  be  selected,  and  that  such  portions  thereof  as  may  be  most  ap- 
propriate for  ordinary  use  be  set  to  music,  taking  into  consideration  the 
needs  of  the  young  people's  work,  and  that  the  publication  be  hastened 
as  much  as  possible.     A'ol.  VII,  j).  224.  1889. 

4.  Bible    Songs    to    be    adapted   to   the    Young   People's 

Work. — Jiesolred,  4.  That  we  recommend  that  such  portions  thereof  [of 
each  version]  as  may  be  most  appropriate  for  ordinary  use  be  set  to 
music,  taking  into  consideration  tiie  needs  of  the  young  people's  work. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  224,  1889. 

[The  Committee  completed  its  work  in  the  early  part  of  1890,  and 
the  Assembly  adopted  the  following:] 

Resolved,  2.  That  tiie  work  of  the  committee  appointed  to  revise  the 
Bible  Songs  be  heartily  approved,  and  the  thanks  of  the  Assembly  be 
and  are  hereby  tendered  to  that  committee  for  its  arduous  and  praise- 
worthy work.     Vol.  VII,  p.  433,  1890. 

5.  Denominational    Imprint    on    Bible    Songs. — [See,  also, 

Psalter,  The.]  Resolved,  4.  That  we  approve  of  the  work  of  the  Board 
in  publishing  its  imprint  on  the  Bible  Songs  and  Psalters. 

7.  That  the  Board  be  directed  to  arrange  as  soon  as  possible  for  the 
publication  of  a  special  edition  of  Bible  Songs  without  any  denomina- 
tional imprint,  aud  at  the  same  prices  as  cliarged  for  regular  editions. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  433,  1890. 

XI.     BOARDS  OF  THE  CHURCH. 
1.    General  Constitution  of  the  Boards  of  the   Church. — 

[General  rules,  touching  tiie  matters  intrusted  to  the  care  of  the  Boards, 
were  adopted,  A'ol.  1,  p.  49,  1859,  but  they  were  superseded  by  constitu- 
tions and  regulations  after  A'ards  adopted.  The  constitutions  and  regu- 
lations of  the  several  Boards  will  be  found  under  the  names  of  the 
Boards.     The  General  Constitution  is  as  follows:] 

1.  The  several  Boards  now  in  existence,  or  that  may  be  established 
hereafter,  shall  each  be  composed  of  nine  members,  one-third  of  whom 
shall  be  elected  annually,  by  the  General  Assembly,  for  a  term  of  three 
years.  A  majority  of  members  of  any  Board  shall  be  a  quorum.  Va- 
cancies occurring  between  meetings  of  the  Assembly  may  be  filled  tem- 
porarily by  the  Board  in  which  they  occur.  [See  Amendments  to  the 
General  Constitution,  Sec.   2,  below.] 

2.  There  shall  be,  for  each  Board,  a  corresponding  secretary,  elected 
by  the  General  Assembly  for  a  term  of  four  years,  who  shall  be  ex- 
officio  a  member  of  the  Board,  and  shall  receive  a  salary,  the  amount  of 
which  shall  be  fixed  by  the  Assembly.  Tiie  corresponding  secreta'-ies 
of  the  Boards  shall  have  the  right  to  speak  in  the  Assembly  on  all 
questions  relating  to  the  Boards  with  which  they  are  severally  connected. 


liOARDS    OF    THE    CllUltCII.  93 

Vacancies  occurring  in  this  office,  between  nieetinjrs  of  tlie  General  As- 
sembly, may  be  temporarily  filled  by  the  respective  Boards  in  which 
they  occur. 

3.  The  several  Boards  shall  elect,  annually,  all  other  necessary 
officers,  and  shall  require  sucli  security  of  their  treasurers  as  may,  in 
each  case,  be  judged  necessary.  They  shall  meet  at  least  quarterly, 
and  shall  have  power  to  make  all  proper  and  necessary  By-Laws. 

4.  Tlie  Boards  shall  be  responsible  and  amenable  to  the  General 
Assembly  for  the  exercise  of  all  powers  intrusted  to  them. 

i).  Each  Board  shall  be  incorporated  under  the  laws  of  the  State  in 
which  it  may  be  located,  and  shall  receive  and  hold  all  property,  leo'a- 
cies  and  funds  in  the  corporate  name.  Until  a  legal  incorporation  is 
obtained,  all  property,  legacies  and  funds  belonging  to  any  Board,  shall 
be  taken  and  held  in  the  name  of  '■  The  Trustees  of  the  General  As- 
sembly of  the  United  Presbyterian  Ciiurch  of  North  America,"  in  trust, 
for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  Board,  but  shall  be  legally  transferred  to 
the  Board  when  incorporated. 

6.  Each  Board  shall  make  an  annual  leport  to  the  General  Assembly, 
stating  fully  its  proceedings,  condition  and  needs,  and  shall  submit  for 
consideration  and  approval,  sucli  plans  and  measures  as  may  be  in  con- 
templation, and  make  such  recommendations  as  shall  be' judged  ad- 
vantageous to  the  cause  intrusted  to  its  care.  The  Boards  sh'all  also 
submit  a  statement  of  their  work,  needs  and  plans  to  the  several  Synods, 
at  their  annual  meetings. 

7.  The  treasurers  of  the  different  Boards  shall  keep  accounts  in 
proper  form,  of  all  moneys,  whether  for  the  general  work,  or  special 
funds,  and  shall,  through  the  Board,  report  annually,  to  the  General 
Assembly,  the  exact  condition  of  the  several  funds,  giving  a  detailed 
and  classified  statement  of  all  receipts  and  disbursements,  winch  shall  be 
published  in  the  minutes  of  the  General  Assembly.  It  shall  be  the  duty 
of  each  Board  to  audit  its  treasurer's  accounts  at"  the  close  of  each  year. 

8.  Each  Board  shall  pubiish  monthly  or  quarterly  statements  of  its 
condition  and  work,  and  no  Board  shalfappoint  or  employ  any  soliciting 
agent,  without  the  direct  authority  of  the  Assembly. 

9.  liie  General  Constitution,  or  the  particular  Constitution  of  any 
Board,  may  be  altered  or  amended  by  a  majority  of  all  the  commission- 
ers to  any  General  Assembly,  provided  the  motion  for  such  chanjre  shall 
be  made  at  least  one  day  before  action  is  taken.      Vol.  IV,  ]>.  22",  1874. 

2.  Amendments  tothe  General  Constitution  of  the  Boards.— 

Resolved,  That  Article  2  of  the  Constitution  of  the  Boards  be  amended 
by  the  addition  of  the  following  clause,  viz.:  "Vacancies  occurring  in 
this  office,  between  meetings  of  the  General  Assembly,  may  be  tempo- 
rarily filled  by  the  respective  Boards  in  which  they  occur."  "  Vol.  IV,  n. 
454,1877.  ^ 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  General  Constitution  of  the  Boards  of  the 
Church  be  amended  so  as  to  read  :  "  1.  The  several  Boards  now  in  ex- 
istence shall  each  be  composed  of  not  less  than  nine  members."  Vol. 
V,  p.  722,  1883. 

3.  Consolidation  of  the  Boards  of  Home  Missions,  Church  Ex- 
tension, and  Freedmen's  Missions.— [The  Eirst  Presbytery  of  Ohio 
memorialized    the   General  Assembly,    A'ol.  IV,  p.   63G,   1878,  for  the 


94  DIGEST    OF    THE     ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

consolidation  of  the  Boards  of  Home  Missions,  Church  Extension  and 
Freedmen's  Missions.   *   *   Tlie  followinoj  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  memorial  of  the  First  Presbytery  of  Ohio  be  pub- 
lished, and  that  the  several  Presbyteries  report  tlieir  views  on  this  sub- 
ject to  the  next  Assembly  for  final  action.     Vol.  IV,  p.  570,  1878. 

[The  vote  on  this  overture  is  as  follows  :  ayes,  97  ;  nays,  543  ;  not 
voting,  36.      The  General  Assembly  adopted  the  following  :] 

Resolved,  That  these  Boards  be  not  consolidated.  Vol.  V,  p.  23, 
1879. 

4.  One  Secretary  for  the  Boards  of  Home  Missions,  Church 
Extension,  and  Freedmen's  Missions.— The  Synod  of  New  York 

asks  this  Assembly  to  consider  the  propriety  of  appointing  one  Corre- 
sponding Secretary,  and  to  give  his  entire  time  to  the  interests  of  the 
following  Boards  :  Home  Missions,  Church  Extension,  and  Freedmen's 
Missions.  This  request  is  founded  on  the  grounds  of  economy  and 
efficiency.     *      *     * 

Resolved,  That  it  is  inexpedient  at  present  to  make  any  change  in  the 
operations  of  these  Boards.     Vol.  VI,  p.  39,  1884. 

5.  Conference  on  the  Boards  of  the  Church. — Resolved,  That 

the  first  and  second  business  evenings  of  the  Assembly  be  spent  in  a 
conference  upon  the  Boards,  and  that  each  Board  be  directed  to  appoint 
one  of  its  members  to  represent  it  in  the  exercises  of  the  meeting.     Vol. 

III,  p.  31,  1869. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolution  adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  of 
1869,  setting  apart  the  first  and  second  business  evenings  of  the  As- 
sembly for  a  conference  on  the  Boards,  be  and  is  hereby  repealed.     Vol. 

IV,  p'.  449,  1877. 

6.  Reports  of  the  Boards  to  be  Printed  for  the  Use  of  the 

Assembly. — Resolved,  That  the  diflf'erent  Boards  of  the  church  and  the 
Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  have  their  reports  printed  in 
uniform  style,  so  that  they  may  be  filed  and  ready  for  use  at  the  first 
session  of  the  Assembly.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  535,  1873. 

7.  No  Special  Collections  for  the  Boards. — Resolved,  4.  That 

the  recommendation  of  the  Board  in  regard  to  special  collections  be 
adopted.  It  is  as  follows :  "  The  Board  very  respectfully  asks  the  As- 
sembly not  to  give  orders  for  special  collections  for  any  of  the  Boards, 
but  to  adopt  such  regulations  as  will  secure  uniformity  in  making  the 
appropriations,  and  systematic  effort  for  the  collection  in  full  of  all  grants 
so  made."     Vol.  VII,  19,  1888.  ^ 

8.  The  Boards  to  make  Itemized  Statements  of  Receipts 

and  Payments. — Resolved,  7.  That  the  Boards  of  our  church,  their 
treasurers,  and  all  who  have  the  handling  of  the  moneys  of  the  church, 
be  and  they  hereby  are  directed  hereafter  to  conform  to  the  established 
rules  of  the  Assembly,  which  require  them  to  make  annual  reports,  with 
itemized  statements  therein,  of  all  their  receipts  and  disbursements  of 
money  during  the  year,  and  that  said  reports  shall  be  audited  by  at  least 
two  of  the  members  of  each  Board  before  they  are  presentable  to  the 
General  Assembly,  and  we  recommend  that  said  itemized  reports  be 
published  for  the  information  and  encouragement  of  the  church.     Vol. 

V,  199,  1880. 

Resolved,  That  the  several   Boards  be   recommended   to   report  the 


BOOKS    OF    GOVERNMENT    AND    DISCIPLINE.  95 

names  of  the  congregations,  Sabbath  Schools  and  other  contributors, 
and  that  they  adopt  a  uniform  plan  for  doing  this.     Vol.  VI,  p.  37,  1884. 

9.  The  Reports   of  Treasurers  to  be  Audited. — Resolved,  7. 

That  said  reports  (of  Treasurers)  be  audited  by  at  least  two  members  of 
each  Board  before  they  are  presentable  to  the  General  Assembly.  Vol. 
V,  p.  199,  1880. 

10.  Corresponding-  Secretaries  of  the  Boards. — See  Corres- 
ponding Secretaries. 

11.  Treasurers  of  the  Boards. — See  Treasurers. 

12.  Monthly  Statements  of  the  Boards. — [A  memorial,  asking 

that  tlie  Boards  employ  printed  circulars  for  monthly  statements,  was 
disposed  of  as  toilows  :] 

Resolved,  That  no  action  in  tiie  direction  indicated  in  the  memorial 
appears  to  be  practicable  at  present.     Vol.  IV,  p.  447,  1877. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  Boards  be  directed  to  issue,  in  some  form,  a 
statement  of  some  of  the  most  important  facts  touching  their  respective 
work  and  needs,  appealing  to  the  liberality  of  the  people,  and  in  such 
numbers  as  to  supply,  through  Pastors  and  Sessions,  all  the  homes  in 
the  Church  at  least  once  every  quarter.     Vol.  VII,  p.  233,  1889. 

13.  The  Boards  and  Principles  of  the  Church. — Resolved,  That 

while  this  Assembly  urges  upon  our  members  and  congregations  the 
gi'eat  importance  of  faitlifully  maintaining  the  principles  of  our  Church, 
the  agencies  to  which  the  distribution  of  funds  belong  must  act  on  the 
presumption  that  Presbyteries  will  recommend  for  aid  only  those  con- 
gregations which  are  faithful  to  their  profession,  and  active  in  their 
efforts  to  advance  the  interests  of  Christ's  Kingdom.  Vol.  VII,  p.  222, 
1889. 

14.  Corresponding-  Secretaries  to  Visit  the  Synods,  &c. — Re- 
solved, That  the  Boards  of  Home  Missions,  and  Church  Extension,  and 
Foreign  Missions  be  authorized  to  send  their  Secretaries  to  any  Synod, 
Presbytery,  or  congregation  of  the  Church,  when  in  their  judgment  the 
interests  committed  to  these  Boards  may  require  such  visits,  and  that 
they  report  the  same  to  the  Assembly.  Vol.  V,  p.  36,  1879.  [Similar 
action  was  taken  by  several  Assemblies  with  reference  to  the  Mission 
Boards.] 

lo.  Duties  of  Pastors  and  Sessions. — Resolved,  3.  Pastors  and 
Sessions  are  directed  to  instruct  the  people  as  to  the  importance  and 
needs  of  these  different  departments  of  the  work.  This  instruction 
should  be  by  public  discourse,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  by  the  introduction 
of  the  literature  of  the  Cliurch  into  all  the  homes.  Vol.  VII,  p.  233, 
1889. 

XII.  BOOK  OF  GOVERNMENT  AND  DISCIPLINE. 

1.  Temporary  Arrangement   for   the    Government  of  the 

Church. — Resolved,  That  it  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  each  Presbytery 
to  ado[)t  for  its  use,  either  the  Associate  or  Associate  Reformed  Book  of 
Discipline  until  one  shall  be  prepared  by  the  United  Churcii.  Vol.  I, 
p.  38,  1859. 

2.  Preparation  of  a  Book  of  Government  and  Discipline. — 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  appoint  a  committee  to  prepare  a  draft  of 


96  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

a  Book  of  Discipline,  and  present  il  to  the  next  annual  meeting  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.  Vol.  I,  p.  30, 
1859. 

[This  committee  presented  a  draft  of  a  Book  of  Discipline,  when  the 
following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  Book  of  Discipline,  submitted  by  the  committee 
appointed  by  the  last  Assembly,  be  overtured  to  the  Presbyteries  for 
their  consideration,  and  that  they  be  instructed  to  report  their  judgment 
thereon  to  the  next  General  Assembly.     Vol.  I,  p.  121,  1860. 

[The  Presbyteries  reported  tlieir  judgment,  when  the  following  action 
was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  Book  of  Discipline,  with  all  the  reports  of  the 
Presbyteries  thereon,  and  any  amendments  of  Presbyteries,  or  of  indi- 
viduals, which  may  be  sent  in  to  them,  up  to  the  first  of  November  next, 
be  committed  to  a  select  committee,  wlio  shall  mature  and  publish  the 
work  that  is  hereby  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  in  overture,  and  that 
thev  re])ort  on  the  book,  av  or  no,  to  the  next  Assembly.  Vol.  I,  p.  225, 
1861. 

[Only  twenty-six  Presbyteries  rej)orted  on  the  Book  of  Discipline. 
Of  this  number,  sixteen  reported  favorably.  The  following  action  was 
taken :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Assembly  proceed  to  consider  and  pass  on  the 
amendments  proposed. 

2.  That  the  Book  of  Discipline  as  thus  amended  be  printed  and  pub- 
lislied  as  early  as  November  1st,  1862,  and  overtured  to  Presbyteries 
and  Sessions,  with  direction  to  vote  ay  or  nay,  and  report  to  the  next 
General  Assembly. 

3.  That  in  the  meanwhile  Presbyteries  and  Sessions  be  recommended 
to  conduct  their  business  in  conformity  with  its  regulations.  Vol.  I,  p. 
350,  1862. 

[Tlie  vote  of  the  Presbyteries  on  the  adoption  of  the  Book  of  Govern- 
ment and  Discipline  was,  ayes,  379;  nays,  80;  not  voting,  19.  But 
inasmuch  as  the  Book  was  not  published  in  time  to  afford  opportunity 
for  a  thorough  consideration  of  it  by  Presbyteries  and  Sessions,  the  fol- 
lowing action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Assembly  refer  the  Book  to  a  committee  for 
revision  and  improvement,  and  that  it  be  considered  as  authoritative 
until  the  revised  Book  is  adopted. 

2.  That  this  committee  be  instructed  to  receive  suggestions  from 
Presbyteries  and  individuals  until  the  first  of  November,  and  that  then 
the  committee  meet  and  devote  as  much  time  to  the  work  as  may  be 
necessary  to  complete  it,  and  that  the  Presbyteries  be  instructed  to  sup- 
ply the  pulpits  of  so  many  of  them  as  may  be  pastors,  while  they  are  en- 
gaged in  tliis  work. 

3.  That  when  completed,  the  Book  be  published  immediately  by  the 
Board  of  Publication,  and  sent  up  to  the  next  Assembly  for  consider- 
ation.    Vol.  I,  p.  491,  1863. 

[This  committee  not  having  completed  the  revision,  the  following 
action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  Tliat  the  work  of  revision  be  continued,  and  that  it  be 
intrusted  to  a  committee  composed  of  members  who  can  conveniently 
meet  and  give  it  the  proper  attention. 


BRUSSELS    TREATY.  97 

2.  That  it  be  left  discretionary  with  the  committee   to  what  extent 
the  revision  shall  be  carried.     Vol.  II,  p.  22,  1864. 

10^?'''^''*'°''"'"''*'  reported   to  the   next   Assembly,  Vol.  II,   n     ir,.S 
l»bo,  when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

thfTil'^^l-  ^'  J'^f  'Y'nOmmme^  be  directed  to  publish,  without  delay, 
the  draft  ot  a  Book  of  Government  and   Discipline  submitted  by  them 

frnlpd  ^'?r'      .^'^^r;    ^;r'T^  '^''"'   "'^^  ^^P^"-^^  «^  publication   be  de. 
trayed  by  the  sale  of  the  Hook. 

2.  That  the  Book  be  and  hereby  is  overtured  to  the  Presbyteries 
with  instructions  to  vote  yea  or  nay  on   its  adoption;  also,   to   su-est' 

Gt^Z'l        \1  '""  '^''{  r^  '^"'"^  necessary,  and  report  to  the^n'ex. 
(.general  Assembly.     A  ol.  II,  p.  158,  1865. 

voting,  6.      ri.e  following  hnal  action  was  taken  •"] 

Resolved,  That  the  Book  of  Government  and  Discipline  now  in  over- 
ture before  the  church  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  adopted,  and  is  to  be 
regarded  from  and  after  this  date  as  tiie  organic  law  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America.     Vol!  II,  p    301 ,  1866 

[For  Book  of  Government  and  Discipline,  see  Di^^est    n    17  1 

^  1  V  x!  ^^''P^''''  ^'  ^^^^'^"  '^'^'''^t  ^la^se^  "These  trial  exercises 
shall  be  heard  at  the  time  of  licensure,"  was  overtured  to  the  PiX- 
.T.''' r  ;•  ''  '">?  «t^'«ken  out  by  the  following  vote  :  ayes,  549  ;  nays, 
52;  not  voting,  21.     \  ol.  Ill,  p,  150,  1870.1  '      /' 

[The  amending  of  Article  III,  Chapter  XII,  -On  Appeals,"  was 
indefinitely  postponed.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  287,  1871  J  VI       ^. 

n.  '-.'^y'r  Jl:^,"«^^''"^^overture  was  submitted  to  the  Presbyteries  rl  Shall 
part  II,  Chapter  V,  Section  2  of  the  Book  of  Government  and  Discipline 
be  changed  so  that  it  shall  read,  -In  ordinary  cases,  no   student  of 

our  '"^f'^  ?' ^^i'"'"!^  '^.  '""^^  ^"^  ^■^^"^•^  ""til  >>«  h««  completed  a 
course  of  theological  study  of  Uco  full  years  after  the  time  of  his  admis- 
sion  by  the  Presbytery,  and  produce  testimonials  of  good  conduct  and 
proficiency  in  his  studies,  and  he  shall  be  required  To  spend  a  third 
session  at  the  Seminary"  ?     Vol.  VII,  p.  225,  1889 

£"  /'";  ""t^T""'?  '  r^  ^""'^  ""'^^  '•  ^y''^  "^34,  nays,  210.]      nerefore, 
Resolved    That  the  General  Assembly  does  now  enact  that  Part  II. 
Chapter  \  ,  Section  2,  of  the  Book  of  Government  be  so  chan-ed  that  i 
shal  read  as  follows:   -In  ordinary  cases  no  student  of  theofogy  Sia 
be  admitted  to  trials  for  license  until  he  has  completed  a  course  of  theo- 
^gical  study  of  two  full  years  after  the  time  of  his  admission  by  tl^ 
hirsfndfp?'  ^"^P™^"^^  testimonials  of  good  conduct  and  proficiency  in 
his  studies   and  he  shall  be   required  to  spend  a  third   session   at  the 
Seminary."     Vol.  VII,  p.  414,  1890. 

SeeSyi?ods°Sec^r*"^^^  of  Synods  Suspended  Temporarily.— 

XIII.     BRUSSELS  TREATY. 

TWd  J  ^'^^^'-'-'^l/l'^t  '^'^  Assembly  petition  the  President  of  the 
United  States  to  call  an  extra  meeting  of  the  Senate  to  ratify  the  Brus- 
sels Treaty,  the  General  Assembly] 

7 


98  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Resolved,  TJiat  a  large  and  influential  committee  to  act  in  company 
with  the  representatives  of  other  religions  bodies  to  secure  favorable 
action  in  the  case,  be  appointed.     Vol.  VIJ,  p.  G31,  1891. 

XIV.  CENTENNIAL  OF  THE  NATION. 

Whereas,  This  is  not  only  the  centennial  of  our  nation,  but  also,  in 
a  measure,  of  our  church,  the  original  elements  of  it  having  been  organ- 
ized a  little  over  one  hundred  years  ago  ;  and, 

Whereas,  Civil  governments,  as  well  as  ecclesiastical,  are  the  in- 
stitutions of  God  ;  and, 

Whereas,  We  recognize  the  hand  of  God  in  planting  civil  and  re- 
ligious liberty  in  our  land,  in  establishing  our  government,  and  main 
taining  it  through  the  first  century  of  its  existence  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  express  our  thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  that 
enlightened  civilization  which  the  religion  of  Jesus  alone  can  give, 
for  his  goodness  to  us  as  a  nation,  for  our  wonderful  growth,  for  our 
freedom  so  firmly  and  so  broadly  established,  for  the  advance  of  educa- 
tion and  spread  of  learning,  and  for  his  hand  so  plainly  guiding  us 
through  both  peace  and  war  dui-ing  the  first  century  of  our  national  ex- 
istence. 

2.  That  we  thankfully  declare  that  ours  is  a  Christian  nation,  and 
that  it  should  support  Christian  institutions,  the  Christian  Sabbath,  the 
oath  before  Almighty  God,  the  Bible  in  the  common  schools,  and  re- 
ligious worship  in  our  army  and  navy. 

3.  That  believing  governments  should  be  a  terror  to  evil  doers,  and  a 
praise  to  them  that  do  well  ;  we  deplore  the  existence  in  our  government, 
and  under  its  laws,  of  great  national  sins,  corruption  in  high  places, 
Sabbath  desecration,  intemperance,  polygamy  and  such  like  ;  and  we 
pledge  ourselves  to  the  work,  and  call  upon  all  Christian  citizens  to 
join  us  in  the  great  work  of  national  reformation,  so  that  during  the 
next  century  righteousness  may  be  decreed  by  law,  and  all  sin,  as 
ashamed,  hide  its  head.     Vol.  IV,  p.  321,  187G. 

XV.     CHARTERS. 

1.  Charter  of  the  General  Assembly. — See  General  Assembly. 

2.  Charters  of  the  Boards. — See  the  several  Boards. 

3.  Charters  of  Congregations. — Resolved,  l.  That  the  General 
Assembly  hereby  directs  Presbyteries  in  the  organization  of  new  churches 
to  require  that  the  charter  of  said  churches  shall  contain  the  following 
formula,  as  a  definition  of  the  ecclesiastical  relation  of  said  churches  to 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  Amer- 
ica :  "  State  (or  Commonwealth)  of To  all  to  whom  these  pres- 
ents may  come,  greeting :    Know  ye,  that  the  persons,  whose  names  are 

hereunto  subscribed,  citizens  of  the  State  (or  Commonwealth)  of , 

having  associated  themselves  together  as  a  church  and  congregation  for 
the  purpose  of  worshipping  Almighty  God,  by  the  name  of  the  '  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  ,'  in  connection  with  the  General  As- 
sembly of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America." 

And  that  the  following  clause  be  inserted  in  every  deed  of  conveyance 
of  property: 


CHINESE    .MISSION.  99 

"  In  trust  that  said  premises  sliall  be  used  and  kept,  maintained  and 
disposed  of  as  a  place  of  Divine  worsiiip,  for  the  use  of  the  ministers 
and  members  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Cliurch  of  North  America, 
subject  to  the  standards  and  acts  of  said  church,  as  from  time  to  time 
autliorized  and  declai-ed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  said  church  ;  and 
in  case  the  congregation  should  cease  to  exist,  or  to  be  connected  with 
and  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  General  Assembly  of  said  church, 
or  shall  lose  its  corporate  existence,  the  property  shall  enure  in  all  its 
holdings  to  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church  of  North  America."  [For  the  amended  form  of  this 
declaration  of  trust,  see  Church  Pi-operty.] 

2.  It  is  also  earnestly  recommended  that  existing  charters  be  changed 
to  conform  to  this  formula,  and  clause  in  the  deed. 

5.  That  Presbyteries  are  iiereby  directed  to  make  an  official  examin- 
ation of  tiie  charters  of  the  particular  churciies  under  their  care,  as  to 
the  powers  granted  the  trustees,  and  especially  as  to  the  ecclesiastical 
relations  of  said  churches,  and  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly  the 
result  of  said  examination.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  523,  1873. 

[For  full  form  of  a  charter  for  a  congregation  as  recommended  by 
the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly,  see  Vol.  IV,  p.  47,  1874.] 

XVI.     CHINESE   MISSION. 

I.  China  Mission. — [On  memorials  from  the  Synod  of  Illinois  and 
from  the  Presbytery  of  Frankfort,  asking  for  the  consolidation  of  the 
foreign  missions  of  the  church,  it  was] 

liesoh'ed,  3.  That  the  Board  be  directed  to  dispose  of  our  mission 
property  in  Canton,  China,  and  that  the  proceeds  be  expended  in  the 
establishment  of  a  Chinese  mission  on  tlie  Pacific  coast,  and  that  brother 
Nevin  be  transferred  to  the  new  mission.     Vol.  IV,  p.  444,  1877. 

Resolved,  9.  That  the  mission  to  the  Chinese  at  Los  Angeles  be 
transferred  from  the  care  of  the  Board  of  Foreisn  Missions  to  the  Pres- 
bytery of  San  Francisco,  subject  to  the  control  of  the  Assembly,  so  soon 
as  said  Presbytery  secure  an  act  of  incorporation,  and  that  the  Presby- 
tery be  required  to  report  annually  to  tlie  General  Assembly  specially 
as  to  this  mission. 

10.  That  the  money  received  from  the  sale  of  the  mission  property  in 
China  be  invested  by  the  Presbytery  of  San  Francisco,  wlien  incorpor- 
ated, under  the  direction  of  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly,  for 
the  exclusive  use  and  benefit  of  the  mission  to  the  Chinese,  no  part  of 
the  principal  to  be  used  except  for  needed  permanent  buildings  for  the 
use  of  the  mission,  and  that  the  treasurer  of  the  Presbytery  be  required 
to  give  bonds  to  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America. 

II.  That  Rev.  J.  C.  Nevin  be  directed  to  invest  the  funds  arising 
from  the  sale  of  the  China  mission  buildings  in  such  a  way  as  the  Board 
of  Foreign  Missions  may  direct,  until  the  Presbytery  of  San  Francisco 
becomes  a  corporate  body  and  fully  prepared  to  take  charge  of  said 
funds.     VoL  IV,  p.  577,  1878. 

[The  Presbytery  of  San  Francisco  accepted  the  trust,  became  incor- 
porated, received  from  Mr.  Nevin  the  sum  of  $12,510.26,  and  invested 
it,  and  reported  to  the  Assembly.     Vol.  V,  p.  83,  1879.] 


100  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OK    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

2.  Name  of  the  Mission  Changed. — Resolved,  2.  That  according 

to  the  request  of  the  Presbytery  [ot  San  Francisco],  presented  in  their 
report,  the  name  of  this  mission  be  changed  from  "The  Mission  to  the 
Chinese  at  Los  Angeles,"  to  ''  The  Mission  among  the  Chhiese  on  the 
Pacific  coast."     Vol.  Y,  p.  30,  1879. 

3.  Transferred  to  the  Board  of  Home  Missions. — Resolved,  i. 

That  the  Mission  to  the  Ciiinese  at  Los  Angeles  be  placed  as  a  special 
mission  under  the  care  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  for  one  year. 
Vol.  V,  p.  3o5,  1881. 

6.  That  the  Chinese  Mission  at  Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  be  continued  under 
the  care  of  the  liourd  of  Home  Missions,  in  connection  with  the  Synod 
of  the  PaciHc.     \o\.  V,  p.  .^Gl.  1882. 

4.  The  Property  of  the  Mission  Transferred  to  the  Board  of 

Home  Missions. — [The  report  of  the  General  Committee  of  Home 
Missions,  which  was  adopted  by  the  Assembly,  contains  the  following:] 
3.  That  the  (General  Assembly  instruct  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions 
to  transfer  the  Chinese  ^Mission  property  in  California  to  the  Board  of 
Home  Missions.     Vol.  V,  p.  7('i7,  1883. 

5.  The  Mission  made  a  Special  Mission. — Resolved,  [by  the 

General  Committee  of  Home  Missions,  and  adopted  by  the  Assembly,] 
That  the  Chinese  IMission  at  Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  be  constituted  a  special 
mission  and  placed  under  the  care  of  the  Board,  without  definite 
limitation.     Vol.  VL  p.  68.  1884. 

6.  The  Mission  Discontinued. — Resolved,  [by  the  General  Com- 
mittee of  Home  Missions  and  a<lopted  })y  the  Assembly,] 

1.  That  the  granting  of  aid  from  the  Home  Mission  Fund  be  dis- 
continued after  September  30,  1890. 

3.  That  the  Board  be  directed  to  keep  invested  the  principal  of  the 
Chinese  Mission  Fund  (Si 2,500)  and  to  pay  the  net  annual  proceeds  to 
the  Rev.  J.  C.  Nevin  until  otherwise  ordered. 

4.  That  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Nevin  be  recommended  to  continue  his  work 
for  the  Chinese,  in  connection  with  some  other  employment,  if  he  so  de- 
sires, under  such  arrangements  as  may  be  approved  by  the  Presbytery 
and  the  Board.     Vol.  VIL  p.  4(30,  1890. 

Resolved,  G.  That  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly,  terminating  the 
grant  to  the  Chinese  Mission,  discontinued  the  mission  itself  and  re- 
lieved Rev.  J.  C.  Nevin  from  responsibility  to  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions  and  the  General  Assembly  for  the  work  ;  and  resolutions  3  and 
4,  page  460  of  minutes  of  1890,  are  hereby  so  modified  as  to  make  the 
payment  of  the  proceeds  of  the  Chinese  Mission  fund  simply  an  annuity 
to  Brother  Nevin  in  i-ecognition  of  his  service  to  the  Church  in  this 
mission.     Vol.  VII,  p.  635,  1891. 

XVII.  CHRISTIAN  COMMISSION. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Assembly  express  its  grateful  recognition  of 
the  Divine  agency  in  raising  up  the  United  States  Christian  Commis- 
sion, and  in  directing  their  operations. 

2.  That  this  Commission  be  recommended  to  the  sympathy  and  co- 
operation of  all  the  congregations  under  the  care  of  this  General  Assem- 
bly, and  that  all  be  invited  to  aid  this  association  in  the  prosecution  of 
ts  beneficent  work.     Vol.  I,  p.  476,  1863. 


CHRISTIAN    GIVING.  101 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  having  heard  with  deep  interest 
the  statements  of  George  H.  Stuart,  Esq.,  respecting  the  operations  and 
purposes  of  the  United  States  Christian  Commission,  hereby  express 
devout  thanksgiving  to  God  for  what  has  been  accomplished  by  this  as- 
sociation, in  furnishing  tlie  soldiers  of  our  army,  and  the  marines  and 
sailors  of  our  navy,  with  the  means  of  relief  to  their  bodies  and  of  sal- 
vation to  their  souls,  and  earnestly  commend  it  to  the  continued  confi- 
dence, the  sympathy,  the  liberal  contributions,  and  the  fervent  prayers 
of  our  people,  in  this  hour  of  tlie  j)ressing  need  of  our  noble  armv  and 
navy.     Vol.  II,  p.  10,  18G4. 

Hesolved,  1.  That  we  owe  the  highest  gratitude  to  God  for  tlie  great 
benefits  tliat  have  been  conferred  upon  our  sutiering  soldiers,  upon 
the  church  and  the  land,  'oy  his  blessing  upon  the  labors  of  the  United 
States  Christian  Commission. 

2.  That  we  gratefully  commend  the  labors  of  our  ministers  and  the 
liberality  of  our  people  in  the  hearty  co-operation  with  this  society,  and 
we  earnestly  recommend  them  to  continue  their  labors  of  love  so  long  as 
the  condition  of  our  armv  shall  furnish  them  opportunitv.  Vol.  II,  p. 
165,  1865. 

XVIII.     CHRISTIAN  GIVING. 

1.  Christian  Giving-  a  Part  of  Worship.— i?eso/ret?,  2.  That  *  * 

pastors  be  atfectionately  urged  to  impress  upon  their  people  the  im- 
portance and  necessity  of  every  one  complying  with  the  direction  of  the 
Apostle,  1  Cor.,  xvi.  2,  ''  to  lay  by  him  in  store,  on  the  first  day  of  the 
week,  as  the  Lord  hath  prospered  him,"  as  a  part  of  the  worship  of  the 
Sabbath.     Vol.  V,  p.  33,  1879. 

2.  Giving  Should  be  Proportionate. — Resolved,  l.  That  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  most  earnestly  and  affectionately  urge  on  all  pastors  and 
elders  to  carefully  and  conscientiously  consider  the  suggestions  made  by 
the  Permanent  Committee  on  Ways  and  Means,  and  on  all  members  a 
hearty  co-operation  with  them  in  devising  some  plan  for  proportionate 
giving,  as  the  most  efficient  method  of  carrving  on  the  work.  Vol.  VII, 
p.  410,  1890. 

3.  One-tenth  should  be  Given. — Resolved,  l,  That  in  the  judg- 
ment of  this  Assembly,  Christians  ought  not  in  their  contributions  for 
benevolent  and  religious  purposes,  to  fall  below  one-tent)i  of  their 
5'early  income.     Vol.  V,  ]i.  33,  1879. 

4.  Weekly    Contributions  Recommended. — Resolved,  3.  That 

each  congregation  be  recommended  to  take  collections  weekly,  where  it 
is  practicable,  and  if  not  weeklv,  at  stated  times,  and  as  frequently  as 
possible.     Vol.  II,  p.  18,  1864.' 

Your  committee  lias  had  presented  to  them  by  the  Presbytery  of 
Princeton,  the  Bellefonte  system  of  gospel  support  and  church  extension, 
and  would  commend  it  to  the  favorable  consideration  of  the  church. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  416,  1872. 

Resolved,  5.  That  we  recommend  Presbyteries  to  urge  upon  our  con- 
gregations the  adoption  of  the  "  envelope,"  or  "  Bellefonte  system,"  for 
taking  contributions  for  the  support  of  the  gospel  and  the  Boards  of  the 
Church.     Vol.  IV,  p.  171,  1875. 

7.   That  we  recommend,  with  increased  confidence,  the  adoption  and 


102  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

use,  in  all  our  congregations,  of  the  voluntary  weekly  plan  for  making 
contributions  tor  the  support  of  the  gos}ieI,  at  home  and  abroad.  VoL 
IV,  p.  307,  187G. 

3.  That  where  found  ])racticable,  tiie  weekly  Sabbath  offerings  by 
the  envelope  svstem  be  earnestly  recommended  to  all  our  congregations. 
Vol.  V,  p.  19U,  1880. 

2.  That  *  *  *  we  lay  special  stress  on  the  weekly  system  of  giving. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  410,  1890. 

1.  That  in  every  case  where  it  is  at  all  practicable,  the  contributions 
for  the  Boards  of  the  Church  be-  taken  weekly.  Vol.  VII,  p.  641, 
1891. 

See  Sec.  1,  above. 

5.  Thank-offerings  Should  be  Made.— 7?oo/r«Z,  4.  That  pastors 

and  sessions  *  *  encourage  them  [their  people]  to  present  "thank- 
offerings"  to  the  Lord  frequently  for  his  gracious  benefits.  Vol.  VII, 
p.  641,  1891. 

Resolved,  5.  That  we  would  certainly  encourage  "free-will"  or 
"thank-offerings"  on  the  part  of  congregations  in  addition  to  the 
making  up  of  the  "general  average."     Vol.  VII,  p.  644,  1891. 

6.  Contributions  in  Proportion  to  the  Appropriations  of  the 

General  Assembly. — Resolved,  l.  Tiie  Assembly  having  passed  judg- 
ment as  to  tlie  relative  needs  of  the  various  departments  of  the  Church 
work,  Pastors  and  Sessions  are  urged  to  secure,  as  far  as  possible,  an 
apportionment  of  the  contributions  of  their  respective  congregations  in 
proportion  to  the  appropriations  designated  by  the  Assembly.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  233,  1889. 

7.  Special  Contributions. — Resolved,  4.  That  the  Assembly  has 
heard  with  interest  the  special  work  tliat  has  been  undertaken,  by  con- 
gregations and  individuals,  to  send  out  and  support  new  missionaries. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  219,  1889. 

4.  That  pastors  and  sessions  be  urged  to  educate  the  people  up  to  a 
confidence  in  the  Boards  of  the  Church;  tliat  they  be  expected  not  to 
contribute  to  special  mission  work,  until  they  have  contributed  their  full 
proportion  to  the  support  of  the  regular  work  of  the  Church;  and  that 
they  encourage  them  to  present  "thank-offerings"  to  the  Lord  fre- 
quently for  his  gracious  benefits. 

4.  We  consider  that  the  responsibility  of  our  congregations  and 
people,  for  support  of  our  Boards,  is  precedent  to  duty  in  the  direction 
of  special  missions;  and  that,  as  the  rule,  they  should  first  discharge  in 
full  measure  their  duty  to  the  Boards,  and  then,  if  the  Lord  has  so  pros- 
pered them  that  they  are  able  to  give  more,  their  help  in  special  lines 
will  be  properly  in  ordei-.     Vol.  VII,  pp.  641,  644,  1891. 

8.  Doubtful  Means  to  be  A.VOi&Qdi.— Resolved,  3.  That  this 
Assembly  would  express  it  as  their  judgment  that  there  should  be  a 
careful  avoidance  of  all  indirect  and  questionable  means  of  raising 
money  for  tlie  Lord's  cause.      Vol.  V,  p.  33,  1879. 

9.  Information  for  the  People. — Resolved,  3  [by  the  General 
Committee  of  Home  Missions  and  adopted  by  the  Assembly],  That 
since  more  widely  extended  information  among  the  members  concerning 
the  condition  and  wants  of  the  church's  work,  and  a  fuller  presentation 
of  the  Scripture  truth  concerning  the  duty  of  supporting  this  work  with 


Christ's  second  coming.  103 

their  offerings,  would  no  doubt  largely  increase  the  liberality  of  our 
people;  therefore,  we  would  respectfully  recommend  that  the  Board  of 
Publication  be  instructed  to  adopt  such  measures  as  may  be  practicable 
to  supply  tlie  homes  of  our  people  witli  this  means  of  growth  in  tiie 
grace  of  Christian  giving.     Vol.  V,  p.  223,  1880. 

5.  That  in  view  of  the  fact  that  our  Home  Mission  work  is  extend- 
ing, and  increased  means  are  needed  for  carrying  it  on,  we  request  the 
General  Assembly  to  instruct  tiie  Board  of  Publication  to  publish  a  tract 
on  the  subject  of  giving,  and  arrange  for  its  gratuitous  distribution,  en- 
deavoring to  have  a  copy  placed  in  tlie  hands  of  every  member  of  tlie 
Church.  °  Vol.  VI,  p.  711,  1887. 

10.  Duty  of  Pastors  and  Sessions. — Resolved,  2.  That  all  our  de- 
linquent .Sessions  and  congregations  be  recommended  to  adoj)!  some 
measures  by  wliich  tlie  people  shall  have  opportunity  to  contribute  at 
stated  periods  to  the  res])ective  funds  of  the  Church.  Vol.  V,  p.  199, 
1880. 

Resolved,  2.  That  ministers  and  Sessions  be  specially  urged  to  keep 
the  people  under  their  care  well  informed  as  to  the  needs  and  progress 
of  the  Church's  work,  botli  by  the  circulation  of  literature,  and  holding 
conferences  tlier^-on. 

4.  That  Pastors  and  Sessions  be  urged  to  educate  their  people  up  to 
confidence  in  the  Boards  of  the  Church;  that  they  be  expected  not  to 
contribute  to  special  mission  work  until  they  have  contributed  their  full 
proportion  to  the  support  of  the  regular  work  of  the  Cliurch;  and  that 
they  encourage  them  to  present  •'  tiiank-offerings  "  to  the  Lord  frequently 
for  his  gracious  benefits.     Vol.  VII,  G41,  1891. 

11.  Payment  of  Salaries. — Resolved,  4.  That  congregations  be 
recommended  to  adopt  the  system  of  paying  their  pastors'  salaries  and 
their  (juotas  to  the  Boards  monthly,  if  possible,  but  not  less  than  (juar- 
terly.     Vol.  V,  |).  199,  1880. 

12.  A  Monthly  Paper  on  Christian  Giving.— See  Assembly 

Monthly. 

13.  A  Permanent  Committee  on  Christian  Giving. — The  Gen- 
eral Assembly  appointed  a  Permanent  Committee  on  Ways  and  Means 
to  devise  and  execute  proper  measures  for  raising  the  money  necessary 

■for  the  support  of  the  general  work  of  the  Church.  Vol.  VII,  p.  33, 
1888.  This  committee  reported,  that  Christian  Giving  had  been 
brought  before  many  Presbyteries,  and  that  a  large  number  of  the 
pastors  and  elders  are  laboring  earnestly  to  bring  this  subject  properly 
before  their  people.     Vol.  A^II,  p.  495,  1890. 

XIX.  CHRIST'S  SECOND  COMING. 

On  this  subject  tlie  memorialist  assumes  that  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  practically  accepts  the  theory  of  the  post-millennial  coming  of 
Christ,  and  of  the  purely  spiritual  nature  of  his  millennial  kingdom,  and 
asks  in  view  of  the  importance  of  the  subject,  that  the  Assembly  shall 
give  a  statement  of  the  ground  of  the  theory  which  he  attributes  to  the 
church.  Also,  he  states  that  a  refusal  on  the  part  of  the  Assembly  to 
state  the  ground  of  tlie  theory,  will  be  accepted  by  him  as  an  acknow- 
ledgement, on  the  part  of  the  church,  that  tliere  is  no  ground  for  such  a 


)(<4  1>IGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

tlicorv.  In  reply  to  the  memorialist,  your  committee  present  the  fol- 
i<»\ving  : 

1.  It  may  be  true,  that  practically  the  mass  of  the  members  of  United 
Presbyterian  Church  accept  the  theory  that  Ciirist's  coming  will  be 
post-millennial,  and  that  his  millennial  kingdom  will  be  purely  spiritual, 
but  the  church  has  never  officially  declared  this  to  be  her  faith.  To 
make  any  theorv  on  this  question  an  article  of  the  faith  of  the  church, 
would  necessitate  the  adoption  of  a  system  of  interpretation,  and  a  parti- 
cular application  of  prophecy  to  that  theory,  which  must  not  only  be  en- 
forced by  the  teacliing,  but  also  by  the  discipline  of  the  church — things 
utterly  impracticable. 

2.  A  refusal  by  the  church,  therefore,  to  adopt  a  theory  respecting 
the  time  of  Christ's  second  coming,  and  the  particular  nature  of  his 
millennial  kingdom,  and  to  give  the  ground  of  such  theory,  does  not 
warrant  the  conclusion  that  the  church  thus  acknowledges  that  there  is 
no  irround  for  that  theory. 

We  recommend  for  adoption  the  following: 

Hesolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  memorialist  be  not  granted.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  446.  1877. 

XX.  CHURCH  extension,  board  of. 
1.  Charter  of  the  Board  of  Church  Extension— [Granted  by 

the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  of  Allegheny  county,  in  the  Common- 
wealth of  Pennsylvania,  March  G,  1871  ;  recorded  in  the  office  for  the 
recording  of  deeds  in  said  county,  in  Charter  Book  No.  3,  page  30G, 
March  10,  1871  ;  and  accepted  and  approved  by  the  Assembly,  Vol.  Ill, 
p.  277,  1871.] 

Article  I.  Be  it  remembered  that  Rev.  Robert  Gracey,  D.  D., 
George  McCague,  John  Dean,  Rev.  R.  B.  Ewing,  Rev.  Thomas  II. 
Hanna,  Samuel  Dyer,  Rev.  John  S.  Sands,  Rev.  J.  W.  "Witherspoon, 
and  AVilliam  Reed,  and  their  successors,  elected  and  appointed  as  here- 
inafter directed,  being  citizens  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania, 
are  herebv  associated  under  the  name  and  title  of  "The  Board  of 
Church  Extension  of  the  Uniteil  Presbytertian  Church  of  North 
America;"  and  by  the  said  name  and  title  shall  have  succession  and  be' 
able  and  cajiable  in  law  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be  impleaded  in 
any  court  or  courts,  and  in  all  causes  and  matters  whatsoever;  to  make 
and  use  a  common  seal,  and  to  alter  or  renew  tlie  same  at  pleasure  ;  to 
purchase,  receive,  acquire,  hold,  use  and  dispose  of  for  the  purpose  and 
objects  herein  named,  lands,  tenements,  rents,  annuities,  franchises, 
moneys,  goods,  chattels  and  hereditaments;  to  make  rules,  by-laws  and 
ordinances,  not  repugnant  to  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United 
States,  to  the  constitution  ami  laws  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, or  to  this  instrument. 

Article  II.  The  object  of  said  association  siiall  be  to  promote  the 
extension  of  the  I'nited"  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America  by  the 
purchase  and  accjuisition  of  real  estate  and  the  erection  of  church  edi- 
fices, and  by  other  lawful  and  ai)propriate  means. 

Article"  III.  Th^e  officers  of  the  association  shall  be  a  president, 
vice-president,   secretary    and    treasurer,  and    such    other  oHicers   and 


BOARD    OF    CIIUUCH     EXTENSION.  105 

agents  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  apjjointed.  Tlie  tfeasurer  shall 
give  bond  to  the  corporation  in  such  form,  for  such  sum  and  with  such 
sureties  as  may  be  determined  and  approved  by  u  majority  of  the  cor- 
porators, conditioned  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duties. 

Article  IX.  Tlie  association  sliall  consist  of  the  following  ])ersons 
and  their  successors,  namely  :  Rev.  Kobert  Gracey.  D.  D.,  George 
McCague  and  John  Dean,  who  have  been  elected  and  appointed  mem- 
bers of  said  Board  to  serve  until  their  successors  shall  be  elected  in  the 
year  1871,  as  provided  in  Article  YI,  of  this  instrument  ;  Rev.  R.  B. 
Evving,  Rev.  Thomas  H.  Hanna,  and  Samuel  Dyer,  who  have  been 
appointed  to  serve  until  their  successors  shall  be  in  like  manner  elected 
in  the  year  1872,  and  Rev.  John  S.  Sands,  Rev.  J.  W.  Witlierspoon 
and  William  Reed,  who  have  been  appointed  to  serve  until  their  suc- 
cessors shall  be  elected  in  the  year  1873,  and  the  corresponding  secre- 
tary of  [n  c,  appointed  by]  "  tlie  General  Assembly  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,"  (now  being  Rev.  A.  G.  Wal- 
lace,) and  his  successor  in  office  shall  be  ex-ojficio,  a  member  of  said 
Board  ;  and  six  of  said  members  or  their  successors  in  office,  shall  con- 
stitute a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business,  and  the  said  Board  shall 
in  its  By-Laws  determine  the  times  and  places  of  holding  meetings,  and 
the  manner  of  giving  notice  of  all  meetings  not  appointed  by  adjourn- 
ment. Said  Board  shall  once  in  each  year  exhibit  to  the  General  As- 
sembly of  the  United  Presljyterian  Church  of  North  America,  an  exact 
statement  of  the  accounts,  funds  and  property  of  the  association. 

Article  A'.  Said  corporation  shall  be  situated  and  have  its  principal 
business  transacted  in  the  county  of  All*^gtieny  in  said  commonwealth. 

Article  VI.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  North  America  sliall,  in  1871,  and  annually  thereafter,  elect 
three  persons  as  members  of  tliis  association  to  serve  for  a  period  of 
three  years,  and  in  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  membership  of  said  Board 
by  reason  of  deatli.  resignation  or  other  cause,  the  remaining  members 
of  said  Board  shall  elect  a  person  to  fill  the  unexpired  term,  provided 
that  such  election  shall  be  reported  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 

Article  VII.  The  otHcers  and  agents  of  this  association  shall  be 
elected  or  appointed  from  time  to  time  in  the  manner,  and  for  such  term, 
as  shall  be  prescribed  in  the  By-Laws. 

2.  Constitution  of  the  Board  of  Church  Extension. — [A  Con- 
stitution for  the  Board  of  Cliurcli  P^xtension  was  adopted,  Vol.  I,  p.  48, 
18o',(,  but  it  was  superseded  by  the  (ieneral  Constitution  of  the  Boards, 
and  the  following  new  Constitution:] 

1.  This  Board  shall  be  styled  ''Tlie  Board  of  Church  Extension  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,"  and  shall  be 
located  in  the  city  of  Pitt>burgh. 

2.  The  special  objects  of  this  Board  shall  be  to  aid  mission  stations 
and  congregations  to  obtain  suitable  houses  of  worship.  It  shall  have 
power  to  make  appropriations  of  money,  either  as  donations  or  as  loans 
for  a  definite  time;  to  authorize  special  contributions  for  particular  parts 
of  its  work  ;  to  hold  funds  and  property  absolutely,  or  in  trust  for  con- 
gregations ;  to  institute  legal  proceedings  in  behalf  of  the  L'nited  Pres- 
byterian Church  to  prevent  the  alienation  of,  or  to  recover,  funds  and 
property  for  which  contiibutions  have  been  made  by  the   Board,  or  by 


106  PIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

the  church  at  hirire,  and  to  do  such  other  things  as  may  be  necessary 
for  the  acconn)lisliment  of  its  object.  But  the  appropriations  of  each 
year  sliall  not  exceed  the  amount  autliorized  by  the  General  Assembly 
for  tiiat  year,  and  only  such  property  shall  be  iield  as  may  be  necessary 
for  the  legitimate  purposes  of  tiie  Board.      Vol.  IV,  p.  24,  1874. 

3.  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Church  Extension. — [Rp^Lila- 

tions  for  the  Board  of  Cliurch  Extension  were  adopted,  \'()1.  Ill,  )).  227, 
1871,  and  published,  ^'ol.  Ill,  p.  311,  1871  ;  but  tliey  were  superseded 
by  the  following  new  regulations  :] 

1.  No  ap|)ropriation  shall  be  made  except  on  the  application  of  a 
Presbytery  for  a  place  under  its  care. 

2.  Ordinarily  the  appropriations  for  a  congregation  may  not  exceed 
one-third  of  the  cost  of  the  hous*^,  and. may  not  l)e  made  for  any  house 
costing  over  S2(),<)0().  [Amended  so  as  to  read  :>10,0()().  Vol.  VII, 
p.  19,  1888.] 

3.  All  appropriations  shall  be  made  on  the  following  conditions  : 

I.  The  pro|)erty  shall  be  held  in  fee  simple,  and  lie  secured  to  the 
Church  according  to  the  rule  of  the  Assembly. 

II.  A  mortgage  shall  be  given  for  the  repayment  of  the  loan,  and  a 
mortgage  lor  the  donation,  securing  the  repayment  of  the  money,  with 
interest,  in  case  the  congregation  shall  fail,  or  shall  cease  to  be  con- 
nected with  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  or  sliall  alienate  or  en- 
cumber the  property  without  tlie  consent  of  the  Board.  The  interest  on 
loans  made  witliout  interest  shall  be  regarded  as  a  donation,  and  with 
all  moneys  contributed  directly  by  other  congregations  or  members  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  shall  be  included  in  the  mortgage  for 
a  donation. 

III.  Ordinarily  the  appropriation  shall  leave  the  property  free  from 
debt  except  to  the  Board. 

IV.  The  congregation  shall  not  solicit  aid  outside  of  its  own  com- 
munity without  the  consent  of  the  Board. 

4.  Appropriations  not  called  for  within  two  years  shall  be  consiilered 
■withdrawn,  and  may  be  renewed  only  on  the  application  of  the  Presby- 
tery. 

5.  Application  for  aid  shall  be  made  in  the  form  approved  by  the  As- 
sembly. The  vote  in  the  Presbytery  shall  be  taken  by  ballot,  and  the 
ayes  and  nays  sliall  be  reported  with  the  application. 

6.  The  iSuperintendent  of  Missions  shall  be  the  agent  of  the  Board, 
through  whom  all  a[)propriations  shall  be  paid. 

7.  The  appropriation  may  be  paid  only  when  the  mortgage  or  satis- 
factory security  shall  be  given  by  tlie  congregation.  All  expenses  in- 
volved in  obtaining  aid  shall  be  borne  by  tlni  congregation.  Vol.  I\', 
p.  24,  1874. 

Jie&olced,  That  the  two  following  regulations  be  added  to  those  now 
in  use  in  the  Board,  and  that  the  corresponding  secretary  be  instructed 
to  prepare  such  blank  form^  as  will  be  necessary  to  carry  the  tirst  one 
into  effect  : 

1.  Congregations  having  money  borrowed  from  the  loan  fund  shall 
be  required  to  report  to  the  Board  annually  their  rinancial  condition. 

2.  In  case  loans  ai-e  not  repaid  until  six  months  after  maturity,  the 
Board  will  proceed  to  collect  them,  unless  it  should  be  made  to  appear 


BOARD    OF    CHURCH    EXTENSION.  107 

that  such  action  would  work  tlie  permanent  injury  of  the  congregation, 
in  which  case  they  shall  recjuire  llie  conjiregation  to  i)ay  legal  interest 
upon  the  loan  until  paid.      Vol.  IV.  j).  302,  1870. 

4.  Aid  for  Missions  beyond  Presbyterial  Bounds. — Resolved, 

10.  That  when  a  mission  is  outside  of  and  distant  from  any  Presbytery, 
the  Board  may  grant  aid  to  the  same  without  action  by  Presbytery, 
provided  that  the  sanction  of  the  nearest  Presbytery  be  obtained  as  soon 
as  practicable,  and  the  mission  placed  under  its  care.  A'^ol.  VII,  p. 
641,  1891. 

5.  Aid  not  given  for  Rebuilding  in  Established  Congregations. 

— Resolved,  3.  That  it  is  not  the  design  of  this  Board  ordinarily  to  aid 
established  congregations  in  enlarging  or  re-building  churches,  but  to 
secure  to  new  and  needy  congregations  a  suitable  place  of  worship. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  420,  1886. 

6.  Selections  of  Missions  to  be  made  with  care. — Resolved,  4. 

That  while  weak  missions  are  to  be  hel[)ed,  there  is  caution  to  be  used 
in  the  selection  of  those  that  are  to  be  beneficiaries  of  the  Board.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  431.  ISlHl. 

7.  Rule  as  to  the  title  of  Mission  Property. — [The  General 

Asseniiily  jiiiH'iuk'd  the  tbrm  of  the  trust  clause  to  be  inserted  in  the 
deeds  for  churcii  property,  [see  Churcli  Property]  and  adopted  the  fol- 
lowing:] 

Resolved,  Tiiat  the  form  for  a  trust  clause  in  deeds  and  declarations 
of  trust,  be  iidopied  as  a  condition  of  all  ap])ropriations  by  the  Board  of 
Home  Missions  and  tlie  Board  of  Church  Extension.  Vol.  V,  p.  741, 
1883. 

Resolved,  3,  That  the  Board  be  instructed  to  insist  upon  conform- 
ity to  the  rule  of  the  .Assembly  as  to  the  tenure  of  church  property,  un- 
less the  direct  claim  of  the  Board  be  amply  sufficient  to  cover  all  legal 
rights  in  the  same,      ^'ol.  \',  p.  73'J,  1883. 

8.  Churches  for  which  Aid  is  Given  to  be  Insured. — Resolved, 

2.    That   the  Board    be  insti-ucted  to  iv(|uire  churches,  built  by  its  aid, 
to  be  kept  fully  insured  by  their  owners  for  the  protection  of  its  claims. 
3.  That  the  Board  negotiate  for  the  insurance  through  some  reliable 
agency  at  the  most  favorable  rates.      Vol.  V,  p.  34.'),  1881. 

9.  Securities  to  be  Given  by  Congregations  for  Aid  Received 
through  the  Board  of  Church  Extension. — Resolved,  That  congre- 
gations in  need  of  assistance  to  build  houses  for  Divine  worship,  be  di- 
rected to  apply  to  the  Board  of  Church  Extension,  receive  from  them  a 
recommendation  to  the  churches,  return  an  account  of  the  amount  col- 
lected, and  give  to  the  Church,  through  the  Board,  the  necessary  bonds, 
to  applv  the  funds  as  the  directions  ot  the  Assembly  recjuire.  Vol.  I,  p. 
149,  18(50. 

1 0.  The  Board  to  take  the  Securities  for  Aid  granted  by  the 

Assembly. — Resolved,  7.  Tiiat,  in  cases  where  aid  has  been  granted  to 
congregations  under  the  direct  autiiority  of  the  Assembly,  the  Board  is 
authorized  bv  this  Assembly  to  take  the  securities.  Vol.  VII,  p.  213, 
1889. 

11.  Loan  Fund  of  the  Board  of  Church  Extension. — Resolved, 

That  the  Board  be  and  hereby  is  autiiorized  to  establish  a  •'  Loan  Fund," 
to    be   used   only  in   making  loans,  and  to  be  refunded  at  such  times 


1(»8  DIGEST    OK    Tin:    ACI>    Ol"    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

iuid  in  such  a  manner  as  may  be  agreed  upon  in  each  case. 
The  Board  may  make  special  appeals  for  donations  and  bequests 
to  this  fund,  and  shall  each  year  so  api)ropriate  a  part  of  the  contribu- 
tions, unless  otherwise  ordered  by  the  Assembly.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  277, 
1871. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  Board  l)e  instructed  to  insist  upon  the  recogni- 
tion and  strict  observance  of  contracts  on  the  part  of  congregations  re- 
ceiving aid  fiom  the  Loan  Fund,  but  at  the  same  time  to  exercise  a  wise 
discretion  as  to  the  enforcement  of  these  obligations. 

4.  That  the  Loan  Fund  be  maintained  at  the  sum  of  S.jO.OOO. 

5.  That  hereafter  grants  from  the  Loan  Fund  shall  be  withouf  interest, 
unless  there  be  speci;il  reasons  to  the  contrary,  and  upon  tlie  condition 
of  repayment  of  at  least  one-tenth  of  the  whole  amount  annually — re- 
payment, in  ordinary  cases,  to  begin  in  two  years,  and  interest  to  be 
charged  on  deferred  payments  after  maturity.     Vol.  V,  p.  182,  1880. 

8.  That  the  Board  be  instructed  to  make  no  loans  in  the  future  ex- 
cept for  parsonages,  without  a  unanimous  vote  of  all  the  members  pres- 
ent at  a  regular  meeting.      \o\.  VII,  p.  G4().  1891. 

12.  Security  for  Loans. — A  mortgage  shall  be  given  for  the  re- 
payment of  tlie  loan.      Regulation  II. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  course  pursued  by  the  P.oard  in  taking  individ- 
ual notes  on  small  amounts  loaned  to  consrregations,  whenever  deemed 
advisable,  be  approved.      \^^\.  V,  p.  73'J,  1883. 

13.  Special  Loan  Funds.— AV.^oAW.  That  llie  lioard  be  author- 
ized to  keep  as  a  distinct  loan  fund  any  contribution  of  $5,000  or 
upwards  from  one  ])erson,  family  or  congregation,  the  donor  having  the 
privilege  of  determining  the  name  of  the  fund  .'^o  created.  A^ol.  IV,  p. 
170,  187."). 

14.  Temporary  Loans. — Resolved,  That  the  Board  be  authorized 
to  receive  temporary  loans  without  interest,  in  order  to  meet  particular 
emergencies  which  mav  arise       \o\.  I^  ,  ]>.  170,  187.). 

1  j.  Contributions  to  the  Board  Subject  to  KTm^x\%y .—Resolved, 

That  the  Board  be  authorized  to  accept  contril)utions  subject  to  aimuity, 
according  to  the  plan  proposed  in  its  report.  Vol.  IV,  p.  170,  187.0,  viz.: 
subject  to  such  annuity  and  payable  in  such  manner  as  may  be  agreed 
upon;  such  contributions  to  be  securely  invested,  and  the  annuity  never 
to  exceed  the  annual  interest  receivinl.      Vol.  I^  ,  p.  210,  1875. 

Resolved,  H.  That  tiie  Board  be  instructed  to  keep  the  funds  subject 
to  annuity  so  invested  as  to  produce  an  income  at  least  equal  to  the 
annuitv.     Vol.  V,  |i.  532,  18iS2. 

IG.  Special  Contributions.— A'eso/tW,  3.  That  special  contribu- 
tions received  by  the  Treasui-er,  for  places  for  which  the  Board  has 
already  made  grants  sufficiently  large,  shall  be  regarded  by  the  Board 
as  included  in  said  grants.     ~\'ol.  VII,  {).  213,  1889. 

Resolved,  4.  That  when  special  contributions  are  made  by  Sabbath- 
schools  or  Young  People's  Societies — for  the  erection  of  churches  or 
parsonages — such  contributions  shall  be  made  with  the  consent  and 
under  the  direction  of  the  Board.      \o\.  VII,  p.  (540,  1891. 

17.  Presbyterial  Agents  of  the  Board.— i?eso/yetZ,  That  the 

superintendents  of  missions  be  constituted  corresponding  members  ot 
the  Board  and  its  agents.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  277,  1871. 


BOARD    OF    CHURCH    EXTENSION.  1011 

18.  No  Special  Agents  to  be  Employed  by  the  Board.— AV- 

solved.  That  henceforth  tlie  whole  work  of  aiding  congregations  in 
building  houses  of  worship  shall  be  under  the  control  of  the  Board  or' 
Church  Extension;  that  the  Assembly  will  not  authorize  special  agen- 
cies for  any  part  of  the  work,  and  disapproves  of  any  congregation  ap- 
pealing for  help  independently  of  the  Board.     Vol.  Ill,  ]>.  277,  1871. 

19.  The  Board  May  Issue  and  Guarantee  Bonds. — liesolved,  o. 

That  when  any  congregation  may  desire  to  fund  its  indebtedness  in  a 
series  of  bonds  bearing  a  low  rate  of  interest,  so  arranged  as  to  distribute 
the  amounts  that  may  become  due  from  time  to  time,  into  such  sums  as 
the  congregation  may  be  able  to  pay,  and  may  thereby  also  reduce  their 
interest  account,  the  Board  of  Church  Extension  be  authorized  to  allow 
the  issuing  of  such  bonds,  and  to  guarantee  their  payment;  provided  the 
congregation  will  give  to  the  Board  of  Church  Extension  ample  security 
to  protect  it  against  any  loss.     Vol.  IV,  p.  452,  1877. 

20.  Presbyterial  Supervision  in  Building  Churches. — Resolved, 

6.  That  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  look  into  the  financial  condition  of 
every  congregation  in  their  bounds  proposing  to  build  a  house  of  wor- 
ship, to  advise,  and,  so  far  as  they  can,  to  prevent  the  contracting  of 
any  debt  in  building,  except  to  the  Board  of  Church  Extension,  and 
that  hereafter,  in  all  ordinary  cases,  it  be  the  rule  where  indebtedness  is 
contracted  without  the  knowledge  or  consent  of  the  Board,  no  help  is  to 
be  granted  by  the  Board.     Vol.  IV,  p.  452,  1877. 

21.  Presbjrterial  Supervision  over  Extinct  Churches. — Re- 
solved, 5.  That  the  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  guard  carefully  the 
rights  and  interests  of  our  Church  in  all  buildings  and  other  property 
which  may  have  been  occupied  or  held  by  congregations  now  discontin- 
ued or  withdrawn,  and  to  dispose  of  all  such  property  as  soon  as  prac- 
ticable, forwarding  the  proceeds  to  the  treasurer  of  the  Board.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  580,  1878. 

22.  The   Board  to  take  Measures  to  Secure  and   Retain 

Church  Property.  —  Resolved,  7.  That  this  Assembly  direct  the 
Board  of  Church  Extension,  or  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly, 
when  the  Board  of  Church  Extension  is  prevented  by  law  from  taking 
the  necessary  action,  to  act  promptly  in  the  name  of  the  Church  in 
all  cases  where,  in  their  judgment,  counsel  and  financial  help  are  nec- 
essary to  secure  the  use  of  and  retain  the  property  to  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church.     Vol.  VII.  p.  413.  1890. 

23.  The  Board  Represented  in  the  General  Committee  of 

Home  Missions. — Resolved,  8.  That  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of 
the  Board  of  Church  Extension,  or  some  representative  of  that  Boanl, 
be  directed  to  meet  each  year  with  tlie  General  Committee  of  Home 
Missions.     Vol.  VII,  p.  413,  1890. 

24.  Consolidation  of  the  Boards  of  Church  Extension, 
Home  Missions  and  the  Freedmen's  Missions. — See  "  Boards 

of  the  Church,"  Sec.  3. 

25.  The  Parsonage  Fund. — The  Associate  Reformed  Presby- 
tery of  Allegheny  transferred  to  the  Board  of  Church  Extension  a 
fund  which  was  formed  from  the  bequest  of  the  late  Mr.  Thomas 
Hanna,  of  Allegheny,  Pa.  This  was  designated  The  Thomas  Hanna 
Fund,  and  was  made  a  loan  fund  for  the  erection  of  parsonages.  .  The 
Assembly  took  the  following  action  :] 


110  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Resolved,  1.  Tliat  the  Board  be  authorized  to  employ  any  portion  of 
the  Hanna  Fund,  whicli,  in  its  judgment,  it  may  deem  best,  in  the  erec- 
tion of  parsonages.     Vol.  VI,  p.  35,  1884. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  Parsonage  Fund  of  tlie  Board  of  Church  Ex- 
tension be  commended  to  the  missionary  societies  and  Sabbath-schools 
of  the  Church,  as  a  s])e(;iul  work,  having  a  strong  claim  on  tlieir  sym- 
pathies, and  -worthy  of  iheir  liberal  support.      Vol.  VI,  p.  237,  1885. 

2G.  RegTilatioas  of  the  Parsonage  Fund.  —  [Tiie  Board  re- 
ported the  following  regulations  for  the  Parsonage  Fund:  1.  Aid  is 
given  only  as  a  loan  on  ajiproved  security  ;  2.  Tlie  loan  always  bears 
interest,  the  rate  being  arranged  according  to  circumstances  ;  3.  The 
loan  is  repaid  in  annual  instalments,  payments  over  due  bearing  inter- 
est at  legal  rates;  4.  All  grants  are  made  subject  to  tlip  rule  of  the 
General  Assembly,  in  regard  to  title,  as  in  grants  made  for  churches. 
The  Assembly  adopted  the  following  :] 

Resolved,  5.  Tiiat  we  approve  the  new  forms  and  regulations  that  are 
in  use  for  the  control  of  the  Board,  in  the  matter  of  building  and  main- 
taining parsonages.      Vol.  VII,  ji.  431,  1890. 

27.  The  Parsonage  Fund  Assigned  to  the  Woman's  Auxil- 
iary Board. — [Tiie  Board  of  Church  Extension  assigned  the  Parson- 
age Fund  to  the  Women's  Auxiliary  Board  as  its  special  work,  under 
the  following  arrangements  :] 

1.  The  Board  of  Church  Extension  shall  receive  all  appropriations 
for  parsonages, 

2.  The  Board  of  Ciiuroh  Extension  shall  transfer  as  many  applica- 
tions to  the  Women's  General  Missionary  Society  as  the  corresponding 
secretary  of  that  department  shall  desire,  and  the  action  of  said  society 
upon  them  shall  be  final. 

3.  In  loans  made  by  the  General  Missionary  Society,  the  papers  shall 
be  taken  in  the  name  of  the  Society.  All  responsibility  of  the  Board  of 
Church  Extension  shall  end  with  the  transfer  of  the  applications  to  the 
society. 

4.  The  grants  made  by  the  society  are  to  be  upon  the  conditions  and 
under  the  rules  that  govern  the  Board  of  Church  Exttmsion,  and  ap- 
proved by  the  General  Assembly.      Vol.  VIII,  p.  709,  1891. 

28.  Presbyterial  Committees  on  Church  Extension. — Resolved, 

5.  That  the  Presbyteries  which  include  the  great  cities  of  the  country 
be  authorized  and  recommended  to  appoint  Standing  Committees  on 
Church  Extension,  to  keep  a  careful  supervision  of  the  erection  of 
churches  and  the  payment  of  debts,  to  secure  the  co-operation  of  con- 
gregations, and  to  fully  develop  the  local  resources.  Vol.  V,  p.  532, 
1882. 

29.  The  Secretary  to  Visit  the  Mission  Field.— i^esoZuerf,  That 

the  Boards  of  Home  Missions,  and  Church  Extension,  and  Foreign 
Missions,  be  authorized  to  send  their  Secretaries  to  any  Synod,  Presby- 
tery, or  congregation  of  the  church,  when  in  their  judgment  the  inter- 
ests committed  to  these  Boards  may  require  such  visits,  and  that  they 
report  the  same  to  the  Assembly.  Vol.  V,  p.  36,  1879.  [Similar  ac- 
tion was  taken,  Vol.  VI,  ]>.  233,  1885.] 

Resolved,  7.  That  the  Corresponding  Secretary  be  authorized  to  visit 
those  stations  and  congregations  in  which  there  is  special  interest,  when 


CHURCH  JiLSic.  Ill 

in  the  judgment  of  the  Board  it  may  be  deemed  necessary,  and  that  his 
expenses  be  paid  by  the  treasurer.     Vol.  V,  p.  739,  I880. 

Hesolved,  11.  That  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  be  re- 
quested to  visit  that  part  of  the  Cliurcli  in  which  its  work  is  carried  on, 
as  frequently  as  in  the  judgment  of  the  Board  it  may  be  advisable. 
Vol.  VII,  p'.  213,  188U." 

Jiesolved,  9.  That  the  action  of  the  Board  in  sending  the  Correspond- 
ing Secretary  into  the  field,  by  times,  to  give  his  personal  attention  to 
the  work,  be  approved,  and  that  the  same  policy  be  continued,  as  far  as 
it  may  be  of  advantage  to  the  work,  and  at  the  same  time  economize  the 
funds'of  the  Church.     A'ol.  VII,  p.  G40,  1891. 

XXL     CHURCH  MUSIC. 
1.  Church  Music  is  under  the  Control  of  the  Session.— i?e- 

solved,  2.  That  it  devolves  on  Sessions  to  exercise  a  controlling  super- 
vision over  this,  as  over  the  other  parts  of  public  worship. 

3.  That  in  the  exercise  of  their  official  function  in  supervising  this 
part  of  public  worship,  they  be  affectionately  advised  to  keep  in  view 
the  following  objects  : 

1.  Let  them  aim  to  secure  the  use  of  such  music  as  is  grave,  sweet 
and  solemn  in  its  character,  suitable  to  be  employed  in  the  praise  of  God, 
and  calculated  to  excite  and  express  the  devotional  sentiment  contained 
in  the  particular  psalm  used  at.  the  time. 

H.  Let  them  also  take  into  consideration  the  circumstances  of  their  con- 
gregations, and  aim  so  to  supervise  the  service  as  to  promote  their  peace 
and  edification,  and  let  the  people  also  regard  charitably  the  rights  and 
wishes  of  those  whose  tastes  and  prejudices  and  preferences  differ  from 
their  own. 

III.  Let  them,  in  all  discreetness,  be  earnest  and  unwearied  in  their 
efforts  to  foster  the  development  of  a  musical  taste  and  talent  among 
their  people,  so  that  this  part  of  public  worship  may  become,  continually, 
more  and  more  pleasant  and  profitable  to  themselves,  and  more  and 
more  commend  the  inspired  {)salter  to  the  whole  body  of  the  faithful. 
Vol.  11,  p.  33,  18G4.  [See  also  the  Directory  for  Worship,  Chap.  II, 
Art.  II,  Sec.  4.] 

2.  The  Use  of  Repeating  Tunes.  Resolved,  That  while  your 
committee  think  there  is  sometimes  much  bad  taste  in  the  use  of  such 
tunes,  yet  they  do  not  feel  prepared  to  say  that  their  use  is,  in  itself,  un- 
scriptural  and  wrong.     Vol.  II,  p.  33,  1864. 

3.  That  this  committee  [on  Psalms  with  Music,]  be  instructed  to 
avoid  such  frequent  repetitions  and  responses  as  are  not  clearly  suggested 
by  the  language  of  the  Psalms.     Vol.  V,  p.  16,  1879. 

3.  Chanting. — Resolved,  1.  That  our  people  be  recommended  to 
familiarize  themselves  with  the  art  of  chanting. 

2.  That  the  chanting  of  the  psalms  in  the  prose  version  be  permitted 
in  the  worship  of  God,  where  the  peace  and  harmony  of  the  church  are 
not  thereby  disturbed.     Vol.  II,  p.  35,  1864. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee,  consisting  of  three  persons,  be  appointed 
by  this  Assembly,  to  inquire  into  the  practicability,  the  advantages  and 
disadvantages  of  chanting,  and,  if  deemed  advisable,  to  prepare  a  collec- 


112  DIGEST    OK    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

tion  of  psalms  arranged  for  the  use  of  our  Sabbath  Schools  and  congre- 
gations, and  report  to  next  the  General  Assembly.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  279, 
1871.  [This  committee  presented  a  report,  which  was  laid  on  the 
table.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  378,  1872.] 

Resolved,  2.  That  a  limited  number  of  chants  and  antliems  be  inserted 
[in  the  psalter]  as  an  api^endix.      Vol.  I\',  p.  i)\)i),  1878. 

4.  Instrumental  Church  Music. — The  Committee  on  Bills  and 
Overtures  presented,  and  tlie  Assembly  adopted,  the  following  resolu- 
tion in  regard  to  the  memorial  from  the  Presbytery  of  Philadelphia  on 
instrumental  music  in  the  worship  of  (iod  :  Resolved,  That  the  petition 
of  the  memorialists  be  not  granted.      Vol*  II,  p.  309,  1866. 

Resolved,  Tiiat  the  conduct  of  the  Session  of  the  First  United  Pres- 
byterian Chuich.  Cincinnati,  in  refusing  to  grant  permission  to  the 
teachers  in  their  Sabbatli-school  to  introduce  a  melodeon,  be  approved. 
Vol.  II,  p.  39o,  1867. 

Resolved,  That  the  article  on  instrumental  music  in  the  present  Di- 
rectory for  Worshi])  is  hereby  made  a  special  overture,  and  Presbyteries 
are  directed  to  vote  aye  or  nay  upon  it,  and  report  the  ayes  and  nays  to 
the  next  General  Assembly,     ^'ol.  II,  p.  40.S.  1867. 

[The  vote  on  this  overture  was :  for  retaining  the  article,  385  ; 
against  retaining  it,  157  ;  when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  article  on  instrumental  music  now  in  overture  be, 
and  hereby  is,  approved  and  adopteil.      Vol.  II,  p.  498,  1868. 

[A  memorial  from  tlie  Presbytery  of  Caledonia  on  the  subject  of  in- 
strumental music  was  disposed  of  as  follows:] 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  submits  to  her  Presbyteries  the  follow- 
ing overture  :  "  Shall  Sec.  5,  Art,  II,  Chap.  Ill,  of  the  Directory  for 
Worship,  be  repealed  ?" 

The  resolution  in  this  report  was  lost  by  a  vote  of  'S6  ayes  to  74  nays, 
"  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  the  Assembly  present "  being 
necessary  to  transmit  any  subject  in  overture  to  the  Presbyteries.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  315,  1876. 

[Memorials  from  the  Presbyteries  of  Caledonia  and  Sidney,  asking 
for  the  overturing  of  the  article  of  the  Directory  for  Worship  on  instru- 
mental music,  and  remonstrances  against  the  overturing  from  the  Pres- 
byteries of  First  New  York  and  Neosho,  were  disposed  of  as  follows  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  memorialists  be  not  granted.  [Ayes, 
110;   noes,  51  ;   not   voting,  4.      Vol.  IV.,  p.  443,  1877.] 

5.  Enforcement  of  the  Law  on    Instrumental   Music. — [A 

memorial  was  presented  to  tlie  Crcneral  Assembly  stating  "  that  in  con- 
travention of  the  provision  of  our  Standards,  several  congregations 
under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Assembly  have  introduced  instrumental 
music  into  their  public  worship  or  into  the  worship  of  their  Sabbath- 
schools,"  and  asking  the  Assembly  to  '*  direct  the  presbyteries,  in  whose 
bounds  this  palpable  disregard  of  law  exists,  to  take  steps  to  promptly 
have  the  disorder  comf)lained  of  corrected."  The  General  Assembly 
adopted  the  following  :] 

Resolved,  That  in  the  case  in  (luestion,  the  jtresbyteries  and  synods 
are  competent,  and  are  expected  by  the  Assembly  to  apply  the  law. 
Vol.  v.,  p.  356,  1881. 

6.  Repeal  of  the  Law  on  Instrumental  Music— [A  memorial 


CHURCH    MUSIC.  113 

■was  presented  to  the  Assembly  asking  that  the  article  of  the  Directoiv 
for  Worship  on  instrumental  music  be  overtured.  It  was  disposed  of 
as  follows:] 

It  is  conceded  by  those  who  hold  the  various  phases  of  belief  on  tlic 
subject  of  instrumental  music  in  worship,  that  tliere  is  a  deep  and  wide 
spread  dissatisfaction  with  our  present  law  relating  thereto.  *  *  Re- 
solved, that  the  Assembly  submits  to  tlie  presbyteries  the  following 
overture:  Shall  Sec.  o.  Art.  2,  Chapter  3  of  the  Directory  for  "Worship 
be  repealed  ?     Vol.  \ .  p.  o-36,  1881. 

[The  votes  on  the  overture  were  referred  to  the  Committee  on  \V\\\< 
and  Overture.>.  Tlie  repoi-t  of  the  committee  was  amended  and  adopted 
as  follows  :] 

We  find  that  the  whole  numl)er  of  votes  cast  is  1233.  Nine  persons 
are  reported  as  not  voting.  Of  the  votes  cast  620^  are  in  the  affirma- 
tive^, and  61 2^  in  the  negative,  making  a  clear  majority  of  8  in  the 
affirmative  on   the  (piestion  overtured. 

We.  therefore,  recommend  the  ado[)tion  by  the  Assembly  of  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions  : 

1st.  That  th^^  overture  to  repeal  the  rule  in  our  Directory  touching 
instrumental  music  Iras  received  a  clear  constitutional  majority  of  the 
votes  of  the  Church,  and.  therefore,  has  been  carried. 

2d.  That  this  Assembly  hereby  ratifies  the  decision  of  the  presby- 
teries, and  declares  Sec.  o,  Art.  2,  Chap.  3,  of  the  Directory  for  Wor- 
ship, repealed. 

3d.  That  this  decision  is  not  to  be  considered  as  authorizing  instru- 
mental music  in  the  worship  of  God,  but  simply  as  a  declaration  of  the 
judgment  of  the  Church  that  there  is  no  sufficient  Bible  authority  for 
an  absolutely  exclusive  rule  on  the  subject. 

4th.  That  this  Assembly  hereby  instructs  and  enjoins  the  lower 
courts  to  abstain,  and  have  all  under  their  authority  abstain,  from  any 
action  in  this  matter  that  would  disturb  the  peace  and  harmony  of  con- 
gregations, or  unreasonably  disregard  the  conscientious  convictions  of 
members.     \o\.  V.,  p.  525,  1882. 

[On  the  first  resolution  the  vote  was  :  Ayes — ministers,  74  ;  elders, 
51  ;  total,  125.  Nays — ministers,  43  ;  elders,  47  ;  total,  90.  Vol. 
v.,  p.  519.     A  protest  was  entered,  as  follows  ; 

The  undersigned  beg  leave  to  protest  against  tlie  action  of  the  As- 
sembly in  declaring  that  the  overture  to  repeal  our  law  on  instrumental 
music  has  received  in  the  affirmative  a  clear  majority  of  the  votes  of 
the  whole  Church. 

This  decision  we  regard  as  unwise  and  unjust  on  at  least  two 
grounds,  which,  for  lack  of  time,  we  can  do  little  more  than  indicate. 

1.  It  proceeds  upon  a  false  interpretation  of  our  constitutional  law  in 
regard  to  overtures.  That  law  provides  that  before  any  proposal  to 
change  or  modify,  whether  by  addition  or  subtraction,  the  doctrine, 
worship  or  government  of  the  Church,  can  be  considered  as  carried,  it 
must  have  received  not  oidy  a  majority,  but  also  a  clear  majority  of  the 
votes  of  the  whole  Church.  Tiie  intention  manifestly  of  this  provision 
is  to  guard  against  any  change  in  respect  to  doctrine  and  order  which 
would  not  be  a  fair  and  unmistakable  expression  of  the  judgment  of  the 
Church  deliberately  reached. 


114  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Tlie  votes  of  tlie  wliole  Cliurch  can  mean  notliiiifr  less  than  the  votes  of 
the  Church  representative,  convened  in  Presbytery  ;  and  all  those  who 
are  present  in  Presbytery,  whether  tliey  respond  •'  Aye,"  "  No,"  or 
"  Not  clear."  may  be  said  to  vote,  that  is,  to  express  in  brief  and 
definite  form  their  mind  touching  the  matter  voted  upon. 

Now,  according  to  the  report  of  tiie  Committee  on  Bills  and  Over- 
tures, the  vote  on  the  Overture  on  Instrumental  Music  stood  thus: 
Affirmative,  620^;  negative,  012-5;  not  decided,  or  not  clear,  'J. 

We  contend  that  the  9  who  declared  that  they  were  not  clear  to  vote 
on  either  side  must  be  reckoned  as  unprepared  for  the  act  of  eliminat- 
ing from  our  standards  the  law  on  instrumental  music.  Tiiey  virtually 
say  that  they  cannot  concur  in  sucli  an  act.  and  must,  for  the  present, 
stand  still.  Hence,  they  are  to  be  regarded  as  constructively  opposing 
repeal.  Had  ihe  proposition  voted  upon  been  to  insert  in  our  standards 
a  rule  against  instrumental  music,  those  nnn-Uquet  votes  would  have 
been  justly  regarded  as  practically  equivalent  to  negative  vot(  s. 

2.  This  decision  is  conflict  witli  our  sense  of  equity. 

It  was  intimated  in  the  Assembly  by  more  than  one  member  that  not 
a  few  non-liquet  votes  given  in  the  Presbytery  had  not  been  reported  to 
the  Assembly  ;  and  when  a  motion  was  made  lo  inquire  as  to  this  point 
of  the  Second  Clerk,  and  of  any  of  the  clerks  of  presbyteries  present, 
the  motion  was  abruptly  laid  upon  the  table. 

Still  further,  it  was  repeatedly  affirmed  in  the  Assembly  and  denied 
by  no  one,  that  a  considerable  number,  probably  not  less  than  twenty, 
of  the  votes  given  in  the  presbyteries  in  favor  of  repeal,  proceeded  from 
persons  who  at  the  time  of  voting  were  acting'  in  violation  of  our  law 
against  instrumental  music. 

Now,  are  such  votes  to  be  regarded  as  valid  votes  ?  Was  the  As- 
sembly powerless  to  protect  the  Church  against  the  influence  of  such  ir- 
regular votes?  And  can  it  in  such  circumstances  be  said  that  a 
clear  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  whole  Church  has  been  given  for  re- 
peal ?  Even  if  the  Assembly  had  hesitated  about  casting  out  the  votes 
referred  to  as  proceeding  from  violators  of  the  law  voted  upon,  it  might 
still  more  have  hesitated  to  declare,  as  it  has  done,  that  a  clear  major- 
ity of  the  votes  of  the  whole  Church  had  been  given  for  repeal.  Would 
it  not  have  been  wise  and  equitable  to  have  declared  that,  for  various 
reasons,  it  was  not  clear  that  a  majority  of  votes  had  been  given  for  re- 
peal, and  that  it  would  be  better  to  have  the  vote  taken  again,  so  that 
assurance  might  be  reached  in  a  matter  so  weiglity  ?  Vol.  V.  p.  521, 
1882. 

The  Assembly  adopted  the  following  answer  to  this  protest : 

The  protest  is  against  the  action  of  the  Assembly  in  deciding  that  the 
overture  to  repeal  the  law  on  instrumental  music  has  been  carried  by  a 
clear  constitutional  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  Presbyteries. 

The  first  reason  of  protest  is  that  the  Assembly,  in  this  decision, 
acted  on  "  a  false  interpretation  of  our  constitutional  law  in  regard  to 
overtures."  The  error  specifically  alleged  is  that  the  Assembly  confined 
its  count  to  the  yeas  and  nays  reported.  The  general  remarks  in  the 
protest  in  regard  to  the  intent  of  the  law  are  not  disputed.  What  we 
deny  is  that  it  was  an  error  not  to  count  as  votes  wiiat  was,  in  fact,  the 
non-voting  of  persons  reported   as  silent.     The  constitutional   law  re- 


CHURCH    MUSIC.  115 

quires  simply  a  return  of  the  votes  given  in  the  Presbyteries,  and  desig- 
nates expressly  the  yeas  and  nays,  as  what  are  to  be  returned.  It 
makes  no  mention  of  anything  else  as  to  be  counted  or  even  noted  by 
the  clerks  of  Presbyteries.  The  only  recognition  in  any  of  our  laws  of 
silent  members,  or  non-voters,  is  in  a  mere  rule  of  order  (66),  and  there 
they  are  directed  to  be  counted  with  the  majority. 

Fui'ther,  this  Assembly  acted,  in  this  matter,  under  an  authoritative 
construction  of  the  law  adopted  by  the  last  Assembly,  conclusive  and 
binding  until  regularly  repealed.  That  construction  is  in  these  words: 
*'  A  vote  is  something  different  from  not  voting.  One  more  than  half 
the  votes  cast  is  evidently  a  clear  majority.  The  majority  voting  settles 
the  matter,  without  reference  to  those  not  voting.  They  are  then 
reckoned  with  the  majority,  according  to  rule  of  order  No.  66." 

It  was  under  this  construction  of  law  by  the  supreme  authority  of  the 
Church  that  the  overture  on  instrumental  music  was  sent  down  to  the 
Presbyteries  ;  under  it  the  Presbyteries  voted,  and  under  it  this  Assem- 
bly was  hound  to  count  the  returns  of  the  votes ;  and  so  counting,  it 
could  not  do  otherwise  than  declare  the  overture  carried  by  a  clear  con- 
stitutional majority. 

But,  aside  trom  all  this,  the  uniform  practice  of  the  Church  in  count- 
ing the  votes  on  overtures  made  a  common  law  on  this  subject,  which 
this  Assembly  was  bound  to  respect.  It  is  the  practical  interpretation 
of  the  law  given  by  the  Church  in  her  whole  history  of  overtures.  If, 
as  is  claimed  in  the  protest,  the  votes  of  the  whole  Church  can  mean 
nothing  less  than  the  votes  of  all  those  who  are  present  in  the  Presby- 
tery, whether  they  cast  their  votes  or  not,  then  we  have  had  no  valid 
adoptioii  of  any  overture,  not  even  of  our  Book  of  Government  or  Di- 
rectory for  Worship,  and  especially  not  of  the  law  on  instrumental  music. 

The  second  general  reason  of  protest  is  that  the  decision  of  the  As- 
sembly is  in  conflict  with  a  "  sense  of  equity,"  in  that  there  was  not  given 
opportunity  to  make  further  inquiry  for  non-voters,  and  in  counting  the 
votes  of  alleged  violators  of  the  law. 

As  to  the  refusal  of  the  Assembly  to  go  into  an  irregular  inquiry  for 
non-voters  other  than  were  reported,  it  was  justified  by  the  uselessness 
of  the  inquiry  to  the  count  legally  required,  and  the  unnecessary  waste 
of  the  time  of  the  Assembly. 

As  to  the  votes  alleged  to  have  been  given  by  violators  of  the  law,  it 
is  sufficient  to  say  that  the  Assembly  did  not  have  before  it  any  formal 
complaints  of  the  kind,  and  had  no  power  to  deprive  of  the  right  of  vot- 
ing persons  never  judicially  condemned  or  even  arraigned. 

If  the  Assembly  had  been  forced  to  go  back  of  the  returns  and  throw 
out  all  the  irregular  voting  that  appears  to  have  been  done,  the  majority 
for  the  overture  would  in  all  pi'obability  have  been  far  in  excess  of  the 
negative  vote  and  all  the  silent  and  challenged  votes  together.  Vol.  V, 
p.  526,  1882. 

During  the  discussion  of  the  second  resolution  the  following  amend- 
ment was  offered : 

Whereas,  Our  Book  of  Discipline  gives  power  to  the  General  As- 
sembly, even  when  a  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  may  be  in  favor  of 
adopting  an  overture,  to  declare  it  inexpedient,  under  peculiar  circum- 
stances, to  ratify  the  vote  ;  and,  whereas,  in  the  overture  now  before  the 


116  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Assembly,  there  is  difference  of  opinion  in  regard  to  whether  there  is  an 
actual  majority  in  its  favor;  and,  whereas,  even  if  a  majority  be  ad- 
mitted, it  is  so  meager  as  to  show  that  a  very  large  proportion  of  the 
Church,  amounting  at  least  to  one-half,  are  opposed,  and  therefore  its 
moral  force  as  the  deed  of  the  Church  is  Aveakened,  if  not  destroyed  ; 
and  whereas,  its  adoption  under  the  cinuimstances  would  be  followed  by 
serious,  if  not  disastrous,  consequences  to  our  beloved  Church,  and  thus 
such  a  contingency  exists  as  is  contemplated  by  our  Book  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  it  is  inexpedient  to 
ratify  this  vote.  and.  therefore,  the  law  of  the  Church,  on  the  use  of 
musical  instruments  in  the  praise  of  God,  remains  unrepealed.  Vol. 
V,  p.  520,  18«2. 

The  amendment  wiis  lost  by  the  following  vote  :  Ayes  :  ministers,  44, 
elders,  44;  total,  bt*.  Nays  :  ministers,  till,  elders,  46,  total  114.  A 
dissent  was  entered.     V.  523. 

The  following  amendment  was  offered  to  the  third  resolution  : 

Whereas,  There  is  manifestly  a  decided  difference  of  judgment  in 
the  minds  of  the  meniliers  of  the  Assembly  as  to  whether  the  Overture 
on  Instrumental  Music  has  been  carried  by  a  clear  majority  of  the  votes 
of  the  whole  cliurch,  and, 

Whereas,  Many  have  voted  for  the  repeal  of  the  existing  law  on 
this  subject,  because  the  law  is  objectionable  in  the  form  in  which  it  is 
stated  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  tl^'  further  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee be  postponed,  and  the  following  proposition  be  sent  down  in  over- 
ture to  the  Presbyteries,  namely,  instrumental  music  shall  not  be 

USED  IN  the  worship  OF  GoD  IX  ANY  OF  THE  CONGREGATIONS  OF 
the    CHURCH 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  be  instructed  to  report  to  the  next 
Assembly  upon  this  overture  as  follows  : 

1st.  The  number  of  members  enrolled  in  the  Presbytery  at  the  time 
the  vote  was  taken. 

2d.  The  yeas  and  nays  as  recorded. 

3d.  The  number  of  members  excused,  or  not  voting. 

The  vote  on  this  amendment  was  :  Ayes  :  ministers,  43,  elders,  40; 
total,  83.  Navs  :  ministers,  65,  elders,  42  ;  total,  107.  Vol.  V,  pp. 
523,  524,  1882. 

The  third  resolution  was  amended  by  substituting  the  word  "  author- 
izing "  for  ''  recommending." 

A  fourth  resolution  in  the  report  of  the  committee,  viz  :  "  Resolved, 
That  while  there  may  be  a  liberty  here,  it  is  a  liberty  which  in 
itself  and  especially  in  the  present  state  of  the  Church,  should  be 
stringently  regulated  and  ke[)t  from  abuse,  or  any  use  that  would  con- 
flict with  the  required  simplicity  of  Christian  worship,"  was,  by  consent 
of  the  Assembly,  withdrawn.     Vol.  V,  p.  525. 

A  protest  against  the  final  action  was  presented.  It  was  resolved, 
that  the  action  of  this  Assembly,  as  it  explains  itself,  and  the  answer  to 
the  protest  be  considered  a  sufficient  answer  to  this  protest.  Vol.  V,  pp. 
530,  531.     See  p.  114. 

[Memorials  were  presented  asking  the  Assembly  to  prohibit  instru- 
mental music  in  the  worship  of  God.     The  following  action  was  taken  :] 


CHURCH    MUSIC.  117 

The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  respectfully  report  on  the  me- 
morials relating  to  instrumental  music  referrt^d  to  it : 

These  memorials  are  in  different  forms  and  make  a  variety  of  requests. 
As  tlipy  will  all  appear  on  the  records  of  the  Assembly,  it  is  not  neces- 
sary to  cumber  this  report  with  a  detailed  statement  of  them.  The  re- 
quest made  in  the  one  most  numerously  signed  is  expressed  or  implied 
in  almost  all  of  them  that  ask  for  additional  action  on  the  subject. 
This  request  is  as  follows  :  "  The  General  Assembly  is  hereby  most  re- 
spectfully asked  and  earnestly  urged  to  declare  explicitly  that  in  none 
of  the  congregations  under  the  care  of  the  Assembly  can  instrumental 
music  be  lawfully  used  in  worship  until  the  Church  sliall  have  decided 
by  constitutional  enactment  that  such  music  in  worship  is  divinely 
authorized  and  prescribed." 

The  principal  reasons  affirmed  in  support  of  this  i-equest,  as  set  forth 
in  a  preceding  paragraph  of  the  memorial,  are — first,  that  the  last  As- 
sembly "  resolved  that  tlie  enactment  of  the  repeal  did  not  authorize  the 
use  of  instruments  in  the  worship  of  any  of  our  congregations";  and 
second,  that  "  the  Confession  of  Faith  declares  explicitly  that  nothing 
is  to  be  used  in  the  worship  of  God  that  is  '  not  prescribed  in  the  Holy 
Scriptures.'  " 

In  regard  to  the  first  reason,  that  drawn  from  the  action  of  the  last 
Assembly,  there  is  evidently  more  assumed  than  the  entire  action  of  the 
Assembly  justifies.  In  explaining  its  action  in  ratifying  what  it  held 
to  be  the  decision  of  the  presbyteries  on  tlie  overture,  the  Assembly,  in 
a  spirit  of  conciliation,  admitted  the  words.  '•  not  as  authorizing,"  in 
place  of  those  '•  not  as  recommendmg,"  used  in  the  original  form  of  its 
third  resolution,  but  certainly  with  no  such  idea  as  conceding  that  its 
entire  action  on  the  subject  was  null  and  void.  It  is  hardly  necessary 
to  say  that  in  that  sense,  or  anything  like  it,  the  resolution  as  amended 
was  not  adopted,  and  could  not  have  been  in  the  last  Assembly,  with 
the  sentiment  that  is  known  to  have  prevailed  in  it.  The  language  in 
question  must  be  understood  in  harmony  with  tiie  declaration  in  the 
resolution  itself,  "  that  there  is  no  sufficient  Bible  authority  for  an  ab- 
solutely exclusive  rule  on  the  subject,"  and  also  in  harmony  with  the 
entire  action  of  which  that  resolution  was  but  a  part,  in  which  the  pro- 
hibitory law  was  declared  to  be  repealed.  The  repeal  of  a  law  does  not 
authorize  anything  except  freedom  from  its  restraints.  Formally,  it 
neither  commands  nor  forbids  anything.  It  simply  leaves  the  subject 
without  the  law  repealed.  Taken,  therefore,  in  its  connection  and  nec- 
essary limitations,  the  language  in  question  cannot  l)e  understood  as  of 
the  effect  assumed  in  this  memorial. 

In  regard  to  the  second  reason,  that  drawn  from  the  declaration  in 
the  Confession  of  Faith,  to  the  effect  that  God  is  to  be  worshiped  in  the 
way  appointed  in  his  Word,  it  may  be  said  that  the  question  is  not  of 
the  correctness  of  the  principle  so  enunciated,  but  of  the  correctness  of 
the  application  that  is  made  of  it  in  this  case.  To  an  ordinance  of  wor- 
ship, or  anything  appointed  in  it,  it  is  clearly  applicable.  Baptism  and 
the  Lord's  Supper,  for  example,  must  be  observed  by  the  exclusive 
use  of  the  elements  appointed  for  each.  But  there  may  be  mere  inci- 
dents of  an  ordinance  or  helps  to  its  observance,  no  part  of  the  ordi- 
nance itself,  which  are  not  placed  under  such  restrictions.     In  regard  to 


118  PIGKST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

the  ordinance  of  praise,  no  intelligent  Christian  looks  for  the  ajtjjoint- 
ment  of  the  particular  tunes  to  be  sung,  or  the  particular  means  by 
which  the  key-note  may  be  found,  or  for  the  use  of  musical  notes  as  a 
help  in  singing,  or  the  employment  of  trained  singers  to  lead  in  the 
praise  service.  Sncli  are  among  tiie  things  confessedly  left  to  "  Chris 
tian  prudence." 

Now,  the  question  is,  to  which  of  these  classes  does  the  instrumental 
accompaniment  belong,  the  essentials  or  the  incidf^ntals  of  worship? 
That  is  the  very  core  of  the  question  decided  in  the  repeal  of  our  pro- 
hibitory law.  That  law  was  what  may  be  said  to  have  been  our  statu- 
tory application  of  the  principle  cited  from  the  Confession.  To  repeal 
that  law,  as  has  been  done,  was  to  declare  it  a  misapplication  of  tlie 
principle,  or  that  the  thing  forbidden  by  the  law  was  one  to  which  that 
general  principle  did  not  properly  apply:  in  other  words,  that  there 
was  nothing  in  the  ordinance  of  praise  or  any  otiier  Bible  authority  to 
justify  snch  prohibition.  That  is  the  recorded  judgment  of  the  Church. 
While  that  judgment  stands,  how  can  we  consistently  declare,  as  asked 
in  this  memorial,  that  under  the  principle  cited  the  prohibitory  law  is 
in  effect  still  operative  ?  And  if  we  did,  of  what  authority  or  force 
would  such  a  declaration  be  ?  The  Assembly  has  no  power  by  mere 
resolution  to  annul  a  decision  by  overture,  or  virtually  reinstate  a  law 
so  repealed.  It  may  advise  a  course  of  conduct  deemed  expedient  in 
the  circumstances  or  required  in  the  interest  of  peace  and  harmony,  but 
not  on  an  assumption  against  which  the  judgment  of  the  Church  has 
been  formally  given. 

It  is  only  by  overture  that  a  declaration  of  tiie  kind  asked  for  could 
be  authoritatively  given.  A  request  for  this  mode  of  settling  the  ques- 
tion is  made  by  one  of  t'lie  memorials  from  the  Presbyteries.  While 
overture  is  the  legitimate  mode,  there  is  room  for  grave  doubts  of  its 
expediency  at  this  time.  There  is  no  reason  to  expect  that  the  result 
would  be  any  more  satisfactory  than  the  decision  given,  and  there  is 
much  reason  to  fear  the  effects  of  the  continued  strain  that  would  be 
put  on  the  Church.  Besides,  with  our  present  differing  interpretations 
of  the  law  of  overtures,  there  can  be  but  little  expectation  of  a  satis- 
factory result  until  the  law  itself  is  put  in  a  form  of  which  there  can  be 
no  misunderstanding. 

Is  there  not  a  better  way  out  of  our  present  difficulties?  Is  not 
Providence  clearly  pointing  it  out  ?  As  the  ipiestion  that  troubles  us 
now  stands,  is  there  anything  left  for  us  but  forbearance — mutual  for- 
bearance ?  It  is  a  mistake  to  say  that,  so  far  as  conscience  is  involved, 
the  concession  would  be  all  from  one  side.  While  on  the  one  side  it 
is  honestly  believed  that  our  prohibitory  law  was  necessary  to  preserve 
purity  of  worshi]),  on  the  otiier  it  is  believed  just  as  honestly  that 
such  a  law  has  no  sufficient  Bible  authority  to  justify  the  Church  in 
making  it  a  term  of  fellowsliif).  They  believe  as  honestly  that  in  the 
present  state  of  mind  in  the  Church  such  a  law  could  not  be  enforced  ; 
that,  unsustained  by  the  judgment  and  conscience  of  a  large  majority 
of  the  ministry,  the  officers  of  the  Church  whose  special  work  is  to 
study  the  Bible  and  declare  its  teachings,  and  who  have  most  to  do 
■with  the  administration  of  the  order  of  the  Church,  it  is  vain  to  ex- 
pect for  it  such  an  enforcement  as  every  existing  law  of  the  Churcli 


CHURCH    MUSIC.  1 1 'J 

should  have.  Brethren  of  such  convictions  have  the  right  to  stand 
by  them  without  challenge  of  their  iionesty.  But  while  tliev  may 
claim  the  repeal  of  tlie  prohibitory  law,  they  should  remember  that 
tliis  repeal  does  not  leave  a  liberty  to  disregard  the  comfort  of  fel- 
low-worshipers ;  does  not  leave  a  liberty  to  disturb  the  peace  of  congre- 
gations;  does  not  leave  a  liberty  to  violate  the  bonds  of  brotherhood  or 
disregard  the  forbearance  in  love  required  by  the  law  of  God.  It  was 
by  putting  ourselves  expressly  under  tliis  law  that  our  union  was  formed  ; 
it  has  been  by  acting  under  it,  we  have  been  preserved  a  united  and 
greatly  prospered  Church  ;  and  at  no  time  in  our  history  was  this  for- 
bearance more  clearly  a  duty  than  now.  Controversy  has  exhausted  its 
power  to  bring  us  to  unity  of  conviction.  It  is  vain  to  expect  such 
unity  from  further  debate.  It  would  be  more  likely  to  increase  tlie  dis- 
traction. In  this  view  of  the  wliole  subject  it  does  not  appear  that  ad- 
ditional action  upon  it  in  any  of  the  forms  named  by  the  memorialists 
is  needed,  or  would  likely  be  of  good  effect.  We,  therefore,  submit  for 
adoption  by  the  Assembly  the  following  resolutions : 

1.  That  the  action  of  the  last  Assembly  on  this  subject  be  reaffirmed 
as  explained  in  this  report. 

2.  That  its  admonitory  resolution,  advising  and  enjoining  against  all 
action  on  this  subject  offensive  to  fellow-worshipers  or  disturbing  the 
peace  of  congregations.  l)e  emphatically  reaffirmed  and  urged  with  re- 
newed earnestness  on  the  attention  of  the  pastors  and  sessions  and  peo- 
ple of  the  whole  Church. 

3.  That  Drs.  Joseph  T.  Cooper,  David  A.  Wallace  and  James  P. 
Lytle  be  appointed  a  committee  to  address  a  pastoral  letter  to  our  people, 
setting  forth  the  true  state  of  the  question  as  settled  by  the  Church,  and 
urging  upon  them  the  respect  due  the  authority  of  the  Church  and  to 
each  other  as  Christian  brethren.     A^ol.  Y,  p.  727,  1883. 

[During  the  discussion  of  the  above  report,  an  amendment  was  offered 
to  the  first  resolution  :  That  the  following  question  be  submitted  in 
overture  to  the  Presbyteries  :  Shall  instrumental  music  be  considered  an 
incident  in  the  worship  of  God?  The  vote  was  :  Ayes;  ministers,  42, 
elders,  30;  total,  72.  Nays:  ministers,  7w,  elders,  71;  total,  148. 
Excused,  1.     P.  72.5. 

A  second  amendment  was  offered  :  That  in  order  to  settle  existing 
difficulties  in  the  Church,  and  to  answer  the  prayer  of  the  memorialists, 
this  subject  be  sent  down  in  overture,  in  some  form,  to  the  Presbyteries. 
The  vote  was:  Ayes;  ministers,  4o,  elders,  30;  total,  7.5.  Xavs  ; 
ministers,  74,  elders,  71  ;  total,  14.5.     Excused,  1.     P.  726. 

A  protest  was  entered  against  the  action  of  the  Assembly  : 

The  undersigned  beg  leave  to  enter  their  protest  against  the  action  of 
the  Assembly  in  adopting  the  report  of  the  majority  of  the  Committee 
on  Bills  and  Overtures,  particularly  the  first  resolution  thereof,  for  the 
following  reasons  : 

1.  Because  the  action  of  the  Assembly  in  re-affirming  the  action  of  last 
Assembly,  instead  of  being  even  an  attempt  to  give  relief  from  the 
grievances  complained  of  in  the  prayer  of  the  memorialists  and  lo  heal 
the  "  breaches  of  Zion,"  is  but  a  repetition  of  that  action  in  a  more  of- 
fensive form,  and  is  thus  calculated  to  increase  and  deepen,  rather  tha 
lo  remove  the  dissatisfaction  and  disturbance  which  exist  in  tli 
Ciiurch.  *  *  *  * 


120  DIGKST    OF    TlIK    ACTS    OF    TIIK    ASSEMBLY. 

2.  Because  in  assuming,  by  tlie  action  tlms  re-atfirmed,  to  declare 
what  is  the  recorded  judgment  of  the  Church,  as  expressed  in  the  vote 
of  the  Presbyteries  on  the  overture,  when  neitlier  in  tlie  terms  of  the 
overture  itself  nor  in  the  record  of  the  action  of  the  Presbyteries,  as 
transmitted  to  the  last  Assembly,  is  any  such  judgment  to  be  found,  the 
Assembly  has  usurped  a  i)0\ver  whicii  is  subversive  of  the  Constitution 
of  the  Church  on  the  subject  of  Overtures.     *      *      *      * 

3.  Because  the  action  of  tlie  Assembly  declares  that  the  meaning  at- 
tached by  tiie  memorialists  to  the  phrase  "  not  to  be  considered  as  au- 
tiiorizing  the  use  of  instruments  in  worship,"  is  not  tlie  correct  one, 
though  it  is  tlie  plain  and  obvious  meaning  of  the  language.  The  As- 
sembly, however,  does  not  explain  or  tell  us  what  is  its  true  mean- 
ing.     *      *      *      ::^ 

4.  Because  in  refusing  to  overture  the  subject  on  instrumental  music 
in  any  form,  and  declaring  the  question  settled,  the  Assembly  has  not 
oniv  gone  in  tlie  face  of  the  facts  as  evinced  by  the  very  presence  of 
these  memorials,  but  has  rejected  the  only  possible,  because  constitu- 
tional, method  of  reaching  a  satisfactory  settlement  of  this  vexed  (jues- 
tion.      *      *      *      * 

And  in  all  this  we  solemnly  protest  before  God,  the  Searcher  of 
hearts,  tlfyt  we  are  influenced  by  no  feeling  of  disres))ect  or  ill-will  to- 
ward our  brethren,  either  in  this  Assembly  or  throughout  the  Church, 
but  only  liv  sincere  love  to  them,  and  especially  by  love  to  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  and  supreme  regard  to  his  glory  and  to  the  interests  of  his 
truth  and  his  cause  as  connected  with  the  purity  of  his  worship. 

[It  was  agreed  that  the  action  of  the  Assembly,  as  exjdained  in  the 
report  of  the  majority  of  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures,  be  taken 
as  an  answer  to  tlie  reasons  of  protest.     Vol.  V,  p.  7o2,  1883.] 

7.  Interpretation  of  the  Law  on  Instrumental  Music— Mem- 
orials were  presented  to  the  Assembly  asking  the  Assembly  "  to  declare, 
that  according  to  the  Standards  of  our  Church,  the  use  of  instrumental 
music  in  worship  is  unlawful."  And  also  others,  asking  that  the  action 
already  taken  be  declared  final.  These  memorials  were  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  Judiciary,  and  also  to  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Over- 
tures. Tlie  following  is  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Judiciary,  which 
was  adopted :] 

And  now  [after  reciting  the  history  of  the  subject  in  the  Assembly] 
the  question  comes  to  us,  ought  we,  can  we,  in  view  of  the  past  action 
of  the  Church  and  the  present  state  of  the  (piestion,  declare  "that  ac- 
cording to  the  standards  of  the  Church,  the  \m^h  of  instrumental  music 
in  worship  is  unlawful?" 

In  the  judgment  of  your  Committee,  this  d'-claration  cannot  be  made 
for  the  following  reasons,  viz.  : 

1.  It  would  "  re-establish,  in  eHect,  by  a  sinijile  act  of  one  Assembly, 
a  law  whicii  has  been  overtured  and  declared  to  be  repealed  by  the  only 
Assembly  competent  to  count  the  vote  and  declare  the  result,  which  is 
to  destroy  the  principle  on  whicii  the  law  of  overture  is  founded,  and  to 
cause  the  difference  between  a  m^^re  act  of  the  Assembly  and  a  law  es- 
tablished by  the  votes  of  the  whole  Church,  to  disappear."  It  would 
be  an  attempt  to  set  aside  the  decree  of  the  Churcii,  enacted  through 
constitutional  forms,  in  a  way  unknown  to  the  Constitution  for  either 
making  or  repealing  law  ! 


ciiURcn  MUSIC.  121 

2.  It  will  be  admitted,  we  trust.  \>y  all,  that  the  article  of  the  Direc- 
tory, which  has  been  declared  repealed,  was  the  statute  which  applied 
the  principle  of  the  Confession,  that  "  God  is  not  to  be  worshipped  in 
any  way  not  appointed  in  his  word,"  to  this  subject.  And  now  that 
the  article  has  been  repealed,  and  the  declaration  made  by  the  Church 
that  this  principle  of  the  Confession  does  not  apply  to  the  use  of  instru- 
mental help  in  praise,  there  is  no  such  law  in  our  standards,  and  there 
can  be  none,  until  it  is  placed  there  in  the  only  way  the  Constitution 
has  provided,  viz  :  by  regular  process  of  overture. 

3.  The  Assembly.should  not  make  the  declaration  asked,  as  by  so  do- 
ing there  would  be  an  attempt  to  establish  a  term  of  fellowship,  to 
whicli  a  large  majority  of  the  ministers  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  perhaps  a  majority  of  her  officers  and  members,  could  not 
consciententiously  subscribe.  They  do  not  believe  that  there  is  Bible 
authority  for  such  a  law;  they  do  not  believe  that  the  standards  of  the 
Church  authorize  it,  and  they  cannot  say,  as  they  then  would  be  re- 
quired to  say,  that  all  who  fail  to  observe  that  law,  shall  be  excluded 
from  the  fellowship  of  the  Church.  They  are  willing  to  say  that,  in 
most  cases,  it  would  not  be  expedient  to  have  any  instrumental  help  in 
the  praise  service  of  our  congregations.  They  can  say,  as  very  many 
of  them  have  said,  and  as  the  last  two  General  Assemblies  have  de- 
clared, that  there  should  be  no  action  on  this  subject  in  any  of  our  con- 
gregations, which  would  be  offensive  to  fellow  worshipers,  or  which 
would  disturb  the  peace  of  congregations.  And  they  do  say  that  there 
is  no  authority  to  justify  the  Church  in  having,  and  enforcing  by  its 
discipline,  a  term  of  fellowship  on  this  subject. 

We,  therefore,  recommend  for  your  adoption  the  following : 

Resolved,  That  tl  e  request  of  the  memoralists,  asking  the  Assemblv 
to  "  declare  that,  according  to  the  standards  of  our  Church,  the  use  of 
instrumental  music  in  worship  is  unlawful,"  be  not  granted. 

[The  vote  on  the  first  resolution  was:  Ayes:  ministers,  70,  elders,  54; 
total  124.  Nays  :  ministers,  43,  elders,  34  ;  total  77.  Excused  :  min- 
ister, 1,  elders,  o  ;  total,  (l.  Absent:  ministers,  «,  elders  32  ;  total,  40. 
Vol.  VI,  pp.  24,  26,  1884. 

A  protest  was  entered,  p.  32.     An  answer  was  adopted,  p.  42.] 

[During  the  discussion  of  the  report,  the  following  amendment  was 
moved,  but  was  lost  by  a  vote  of  75  to  116.     P.  22. 

Resolved,  That  the  repeal  of  the  article  in  the  Directory  for  AVorship 
prohibiting  the  use  of  instruments  in  the  worship  of  God,  did  not  have 
the  force  of  a  positive  enactment  authorizing  their  use  ;  that  to  secure 
such  authorization  further  legislation  by  overture  to  the  Presbyteries  is 
required. 

The  following  amendment  was  offered  : 

Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly  declares  that  the  standards  of 
our  Church  authorize  the  use  of  instruments  in  the  worship  of  God. 
The  vote  was  :  Ayes:  minister  1,  elder  1  ;  total  2.  Nays  :  ministers, 
111,  elders  90  ;  total  201.  Excused  :  elders,  2.  Absent :"  ministers  10, 
elders  28  ;  total,  38.] 

8.  Action  final. — [Report  of  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  :] 

*  *  *  The  Assembly  referred  so  much  of  the  memorial  from  the 
convention   in  Allegheny   as  involves   an  interpretation  of  law  to  the 


122  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Judiciary  Committee.  We  re;?ard  this  action  as  a  virtual  reference  of 
such  parts  of  the  other  memorials  as  involve  an  interpretation  of  law  to 
that  Committtee. 

Leaving  such  parts  of  the  memorials  out  of  view,  there  remained  for 
the  consideration  of  your  Committee,  these  three  requests  : 

1.  That  the  Assembly  adopt  a  resolution  declaring  that,  as  the  Scrip- 
tures do  not  give  sufficient  evidence  of  the  Divine  approval  of  instru- 
mental music  in  worship,  it  shall  not  be  authorized  or  sanctioned  in  any 
of  our  congregations.  2.  That  the  Assembly  send  down  in  overture  to 
the  Presbyteries  the  question  of  the  lawfulness  of  instrumental  music  in 
worship.  3.  That  the  Assembly  treat  the  present  settlement  of  the 
question  of  instrumental  music  in  our  Church  as  final. 

We  cannot  see  how  such  action  as  is  asked  for  in  the  tirst  and  second 
of  these  requests  would  tend  to  set  the  vexed  question  at  rest.  A  de- 
claration of  the  Assembly,  virtually  enacting  a  prohibitory  law,  might 
satisfy  some,  but  would  dissatify  others.  An  overture  on  the  question 
of  the  lawlessness  of  instrumental  music  in  worship,  while  the  meaning 
of  the  law  of  overture  is  itself  a  question  in  dispute,  does  not  seem  to  us 
expedient. 

We  therefore  recommend  for  adoption  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  no  further  action  be  taken  by  this  Assembly.  Vol. 
VI,  p.  29,  1884. 

[A  protest  was  entered,  p.  33,  and  was  answered,  p.  43. J 

[During  the  discussion  the  following  amendment  was  offered  to  the 
report  given  above  : 

Whereas,  the  General  Assembly  of  1882  could  do  nothing  more 
than  enact  the  repeal  of  our  law  on  instrumental  music ;  and. 

Whereas,  Nothing  can  be  introduced  affecting  the  worship  of  God 
until  it  is  overtured  and  adopted  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  following  be  sent  down  in  overture  to  the  Pres- 
byteries ;  "  Shall  the  use  of  instrumental  music  in  the  worship  of  God 
be  lawful  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  ?" 

The  vote  was:  Ayes:  ministers,  48  ;  elders,  34  ;  total,  82.  Nays: 
ministers,  67;  elders,  57;  total,  124.  Excused:  elders,  2.  Absent: 
ministers,  7  ;  elders,  28  ;  total,  35.     P.  27.] 

[A  memorial  from  a  convention  held  at  Xenia,  Ohio,  asked  the  As- 
sembly to  declare  instrumental  music  in  the  worship  of  God  illegal, 
until,  at  least,  declared  legal  by  overture.  The  following  was 
adopted  :J 

The  Assembly  of  1882  declared  the  law  repealed.  It  also  enjoined 
the  lower  courts  and  the  congregations  to  seek  the  peace  of  the  Church, 
This  left  all  free,  subject  only  to  the  law  of  love  and  the  question  of 
edification.      *      *      [For  resolutions  1  and  2  see  Sec.  10,  p.  125.] 

Resolved,  3.  That  further  than  the  foregoing,  the  prayer  of  the  mem- 
orialists be  not  granted.     Vol.  VI,  p.  235,  1885. 

[A  memorial  was  presented  from  the  Pittsburg  Conference,  asking 
the  Assembly  to  exclude  instrumental  music  from  the  worship  of  God. 
On  this  the  following  action  was  taken  ;   Ayes  142  ;  nays,  56  :] 

*  *  *  The  resolutions  attached  to  the  memorial  represent  "  that 
the  authoritative  exclusion  of  instrumental  music  from  the  worship  of 
God  in   the  United   Presbyterian   Church  is  necessary  to  a  final  and 


CHURCH    MUSIC.  123 

peaceful  settlement  of  the  difficulty  ;"  "  that  a  representation  to  this 
effect  be  made  by  this  Conference  to  the  next  General  Assembly,  and 
that  the  Assembly  be  respectfully  asked  to  order  the  exclusion  desired;" 
that  in  case  of  refusal  on  the  part  of  the  Assembly  to  grant  their  re- 
quest they  are  placed  "  under  the  painful  necessity  of  choosing  between 
obedience  to  the  authority  of  Christ,  and  acquiescence  in  such  refusal." 

In  response  to  this  memoi-ial  of  brethren  greatly  esteemed  and  be- 
loved, the  General  Assembly  would  say  : 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  trouble  has  arisen  and  continued  for  so  long 
a  time  in  the  Church,  on  account  of  the  repeal  of  the  law  prohibiting 
instruments  of  music  in  the  worship  of  the  Church. 

The  law  was  declared  repealed  by  overture  by  the  Assembly  of  1882. 
This  leaves  all  free,  subject  only  to  the  law  of  love,  and  the  question  of 
edihcation,  as  declared  by  the  last  General  Assembly. 

The  attempt  to  authoritatively  exclude  instrumental  music  from  the 
praise  service  in  our  congregations,  as  asked  by  the  memorial,  would  be 
an  attempt  to  re-enact  the  law  already  repealed,  and  this  is  clearly  be- 
yond the  power  and  authority  of  the  Assembly. 

Moreover,  such  authoritative  exclusion,  under  pain  of  discipline, 
would  be  regarded  as  oppressive  and  intolerable  by  brethren,  who  do 
not  believe  that  such  law  is  warranted  by  the  Word  of  God. 

These  facts  being  as  stated,  and  in  view  of  deliverances  by  former 
Assemblies,  it  is  hereby  respectfully  declared  by  this  Assembly,  that  the 
request  of  tiie  memorialists  cannot  be  granted,  and  that  any  further 
action  by  this  Assembly  is  not  necessary.     Vol.  VI,  p.  428,  1886. 

Resolved,  That  the  memorialists  be  respectfully  referred  to  the  action 
of  former  Assemblies,  *  *  and  that  no  further  answer  to  their  prayer 
can  be  given  by  this  Assembly.     Vol.  VII,  p.  29,  1888. 

Resolved,  That  while  we  recognize  the  memorialists  as  brethren  be- 
loved and  entitled  to  the  higiiest  respect  and  consideration,  we  are  con- 
strained to  say  the  action  of  former  Assemblies  grants  all  the  relief 
which  this  Assemblv  cmu  affbrd.     Vol.  VII,  p.  222,  1889. 

9.  Instrumental  Music  in  Mission  Stations. — [The  following 

amendment  was  moved  to  tlie  second  resolution  of  the  report  of  the 
Committee  on  the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  viz :  That  the  report  of 
the  General  Committee  of  Home  Missions  be  adopted  : 

"  Except  that  tiie  appropriations  made  to  congregations  using  instru- 
ments of  music  in  worship  be  withheld,  while  such  congregations  con- 
tinue to  use  tiieni  ;  and  that  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  be  instructed 
to  withiiold  appropriations  from  any  congregation  which  may  introduce 
and  use  instruments  of  music  in  their  worship." 

The  amendment  was  not  adopted.  Ayes  :  ministers  44,  elders  38  ; 
total,  82.  Nays  :  ministers  70,  elders,  61  :  total,  131.  Excused:  min- 
isters, 2.  Absent  :  ministers,  6,  elders.  22  ;  total,  28.  Vol.  VI,  p. 
17,  1884.     A  protest  was  entered,  with  the  following  reasons:] 

1.  Because  this  action  binds  upon  the  conscience  of  many  of  us,  a 
yoke  which  we  are  not  able  to  bear,  in  requiring  us  as  ministers  and 
elders  to  ask  our  people  to  contribute  to  the  Home  Mission  Fund  money 
which  will  be  used  in  assisting  congregations,  who  are  using  a  form  of 
worship  which  we  regai-d  as  unscripturai,  and  which  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  1882  says  the  adopting  of  the  overture  did  not  sanction. 


124  DIGEST    OF    THK    ACTS    OK    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

2.  Because  it  binds  this  burden  upon  ministers  and  probationers  who 
may  be  appointed  to  preacli  in  these  or^an-using  congregations  the  ne- 
cessity of  either  leading  in  a  form  of  worship  they  regard  as  unscriptural, 
or  else  disobeying  authority  in  refusing  to  preach  in  sucli  congregations. 

3.  Because  it  tends  to  cultivate  in  our  congregations  a  disposition  to 
disregard  the  superior  courts  of  the  Church,  inasmuch  as  by  assisting 
with  our  money  these  congregations  which  have  introduced  and  are  us- 
ing organs  in  worship,  we  do  encourage  them  in  their  o|)en  disobedience 
to  the  requirements  of  the  Assembly  of  1882,  which  has  said,  "  This 
Assembly  instructs  and  enjoins  the  lower  courts  to  abstain  and  have  all 
under  their  authority  abstain  from  any  action  in  this  matter,  that  would 
disturb  the  peace  and  harmony  of  congregations,  or  unreasonably  disre- 
gard the  conscientious  conviction  of  members." 

4.  Because  this  action  will  necessarily  interfere  with  many  of  our 
congregations  and  members  in  their  support  of  our  Home  Mission  work, 
inasmuch  as  it  compels  tliem  either  by  contributions  to  assist  and  en- 
courage congregations  who  are  worshippinsr  God  in  unscriptural  forms, 
or  else  refuse  to  iielp  the  Church  in  her  Home  Mission  work. 

b.  Because  it  is  of  great  importance  that  we,  as  a  Church,  maintain 
uniformity  of  worship  in  our  congregations,  and  by  this  action  our  As- 
sembly does  sanction  the  use  of  a  form  of  worship  which  has  no  place  in 
our  Directory  for  Worship,  and  in  so  doing  gives  encouragement  to 
members  to  regard  the  authority  of  our  Church,  in  giving  a  common 
rule  to  govern  our  congregations  in  the  worship  of  God,  as  of  very  little 
importance.      For  these  things  we  do  protest.      Vol.  VI,  p.  33,  1884. 

[The  Assembly  adopted  the  following  :] 

This  protest  is  against  the  action  of  this  Assembly  in  refusing  tw 
withdraw  appropriations  made  by  the  Committee  of  Home  Missions  to 
congregations  using  instrumental  music,  etc. 

1.  Tlie  j)rotest  assumes  tliat  the  right  of  individuals  and  congrega- 
tions to  give  specific  direction  to  their  contrii)Utions  through  the  Home 
Jioard  does  not  exist,  which  assumption  is  incorrect. 

2.  Our  system  is  not  so  inflexible  that  it  will  not  admit  of  changes  in 
appointments  necessary  to  accommodate  the  preferences  of  supplies. 
Our  rule  for  the  distribution  of  men  provides  that  "  tlie  reasonable 
wishes  of  the  missionary,  if  known,  shall  be  regarded  so  far  as  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  case  will  permit." 

3.  The  third  reason  assumes  that  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1882, 
as  set  forth  in  the  resolution  quoted,  was  absolutely  prohibitory — an  as- 
sumption which  is  neither  warranted  by  the  terms  of  the  resolution,  nor 
by  any  interpretation  given  of  it  by  any  Assembly. 

4.  The  fourth  reason  of  the  protest  is  sufficiently  met  in  our  answer 
to  the  first. 

o.  The  fifth  reason  assumes  that  tlie  introduction  of  that  which  is 
simply  a  help  in  praise  necessarily  changes  the  form  of  worship — an  as- 
sumption M'hicli  we  believe  to  be  unwarranted.      Vol.  VI,  p.  42,  1884. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  question  of  granting  or  withholding  appropria- 
tions of  money  to  congregations  using  musical  instruments  in  worship  be 
referred  to  the  Board  of  Home  INIissions,  in  the  confidence  that  said 
Board  will  carry  out  the  spirit  and  intent  of  the  action  of  this  Assembly, 
in  adopting  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  on  the 
memorial  of  the  Xenia  Convention.      Vol.  VI,  p.  242,  188.5. 


CHURCH    PROPERTY.  12") 

[During  the  discussion  of  the   report   of  the   Committee   on   Home 
Missions  the  following  resolution  was  offered  as  an  amendment :] 
^  "  Resolved,  That  no  appropriation   he  made  from  the  Home  Mission 
Fund  in  aid  of  any  congregation  or  station  using,  in  its  worship,  instru- 
mental music,  unless  such  practice  be  abandoned." 

[The  amendment  was  lost.  Vol.  VI,  p.  425,  188G.  Protest  was 
made,  p.  430,  and  answered,  p.  437.] 

[The  following  amendment  was  offered  :] 

jResohed,  That  no  part  of  the  money  appropriated  in  this  report  [ot 
the  General  Committee  on  Home  Missions]  shall  be  expended  in  anv 
congregation  which  is  known  to  use  instruments  of  music  in  connection 
with  the  worship  of  God. 

The  vote  was  :  Ayes :  ministers,  30,  elders,  30  ;  total,  60.  Navs : 
ministers,  71,  elders,  58;  total,  129.  Excused:  ministers,  2.  Vol.  VI, 
p.  665.      [A  protest  was  entered,  p.  669.] 

10.  Charity  and  Forbearance  Enjomed.— Resolved,  4.   That 

this  Assembly  hereby  instructs  and  enjoins  the  lower  courts  to  abstain, 
and  to  have  all  under  their  authority  abstain,  from  any  action  in  this 
matter  that  would  disturb  the  peace  and  harmony  of  congregations,  or 
unreasonably  disregard  the  conscientious  convictions  of  members.  Vol. 
V,  p.  525,  1882. 

Resolved,  2.  That  its  [the  last  Assembly's]  admonitory  resolution, 
advising  and  enjoining  against  all  action  on  this  subject  offensive  to  fel- 
low-worshippers, or  disturbing  the  peace  of  congregations,  be  emphati- 
cally re-affirmed,  and  urged  with  renewed  earnestness  on  the  attention 
of  the  pastors  and  sessions  and  people  of  the  whole  Church,  Vol.  V, 
p.  729,  1883. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  action  of  former  assemblies,  enjoining  sessions 
to  refrain  from  divisive  courses  and  uncharitable  conduct  in  respect  to 
this  matter,  be  reaffirmed. 

2.  While  making  no  demand  for  the  restoration  of  the  law  already 
declared  repealed,  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  the  law  of 
charity  requires  that  brethren  and  congregations  refrain  grieving  the 
hearts  and  wounding  the  consciences  of  many  dear  brethren  who  feel 
that  the  use  of  instrumental  accompaniment  in  praise  is  a  corruption  of 
worship.     Vol.  VI,  235,  1885. 

Resolved,  That  the  memorialists  be  respectfully  referred  to  the  action 
ot  former  assemblies,  "  enjoining  sessions  to  abstain  from  divisive 
courses  and  uncharitable  conduct  in  this  matter,"  and  that  this  Assem- 
bly does  most  earnestly  repeat  this  injunction.      Vol.  VII,  p.  29,  1888. 

11.  Appeal  Concerning  the  Use  of  Instrumental  Music  in 

Worship. — See  Tate's  Appeal. 

12.  Music  for  Sabbath-schools.— See  "Bible  Songs." 

13.  The  Psalter. — See  Psalter. 

XXII.     CHURCH  PPvOPERTY. 
1.  Church  Property  should  be  held  by  Bea.cons.— Resolved,  3. 

That  Synods  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  urged  to  take  im.mediate  steps 
for  securing  within  their  respective  limits,  such  civil  legislation  in  re- 
gard  to  the   tenure  of  ecclesiastical  property,  as  may  be  requisite  to 


126  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

enable  congregations  to  commit  to  deacons  tlie  charge  wliich  now  rests 
upon  ordinary  trustees.     Vol.  IV,  p.  5G8,  1878. 

Resolved,  4.  That  the  third  resolution  of  1878,  intended  to  prepare 
the  way  through  civil  legislation  for  committing  to  deacons  the  legal 
ownership  of  church  property  now  vested  in  trustees,  be  repealed  as  both 
difficult  and  unnecessary.      Vol.  V,  p.  194,  1880. 

2.  Church  Property  may  be  held  by  Trustees. — Resolved,  3. 

That  there  is  nothing  in  tlie  constitution  of  the  Church  forbidding  the 
appointment  of  trustees  for  the  management  of  church  property,  under 
the  restrictions  of  the  Assembly  of  187").     Vol.  V,  p.  194,  1880. 

3.  Title  to  Church  Property. — [The  General  Assembly  of  1873, 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  523,  adopted  a  form  of  declaration  of  trust  to  be  inserted 
in  every  conveyance.  See  Charters.  This  was  amended.  Vol.  V,  p. 
741,  1883.     It  was  again  amended,  and  is  as  follows  :] 

''  In  trust  as  and  for  a  place  of  divine  worship,  subject  to  the  stand- 
ards and  acts  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  as 
from  time  to  time  authorized  by  the  said  General  Assembly  of  said 
Church  ;  and  that  in  case  the  said  United  Presbyterian  Congregation  of 

shall  cease  to  exist,  be  dissolved  or  cease  to  be  connected  with 

and  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  said  General  Assembly,  or  shall  lose 
its  corporate  existence,  the  trust  shall  terminate  and  the  title  shall  vest 
absolutely  in  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church  of  North  America,  who  shall  then  have  the  right  to 
sell  and  convert  the  same  into  money  without  any  liability  of  the  pur- 
chaser of  the  property  to  see  to  the  application  of  the  proceeds  of  such 
sale.  And  whenever  in  the  judgment  of  the  said  Trustees  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  it 
shall  be  proper  or  right,  for  any  cause,  to  terminate  such  trust,  and  sell 
or  otherwise  dispose  of  the  said  property,  the  said  Trustees  may,  in 
their  discretion,  act  accordingly."     Vol.  VII,  p.  213,  1889. 

Resolved,  2.  It  is  also  earnestly  recommended  that  existing  charters 
be  changed  to  conform  to  this  formula  and  clause  in  the  deed. 

3.  That  the  General  Assembly,  in  accordance  with  the  decision  of 
the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  in  the  case  of  Watson  vs. 
Jenner,  instruct  Presbyteries  and  congregations  that  the  control  and 
possession  of  church  property  belongs  only  to  the  members  holding  to 
the  principles  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  that  it  will  re- 
quire a  unanimous  vote  of  the  Session  and  congregation  to  sell,  dispose 
of,  or  alienate  said  church  property  ;  it  being  understood  that  this  action 
does  not  prevent  congregations  from  disposing  of  church  property  for 
the  purpose  of  rebuilding,  or  the  erection  of  a  new  buildins  in  a  new 
location.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  523,  1873. 

4.  Church  Property  is  Under  the  Control  of  the  Session. — 

Resolved,  4.  That  in  every  church,  the  trustees  shall  be  in  full  com- 
munion with  the  church,  and  that  the  use  of  the  church  building  for 
public  worship,  and  all  other  meetings,  shall  be  under  the  direction  and 
control  of  the  Session  of  the  church.     Vol.  Ill,  ]).  523,  1873. 

[The  action  in  this  Section  was  taken  on  the  report  of  a  committee 
appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1872,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  389,  to  pre- 
pare and  present  to  the  next  General  Assembly  a  paper  defining  the  re- 
lation of  trustees  and  sessions  to  the  congregation,  and  their  power  to 
control  its  property  and  temporalities  generally.] 


CLERKS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY.  127 

5.  The  Declaration  of  Trust  a  Condition  of  Aid  to  Mission 

Stations. — Resolved,  That  tlie  form  tor  a  trust  clause  in  deeds  and  dec- 
larations of  trust,  adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  1873,  be 
amended  according  to  the  above  form,  and  tliat  the  same  be  adopted  as 
a  condition  of  all  appropriations  by  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  and 
the  Board  of  Church  Extension.     Vol.  V,  p.  741,  1883. 

6.  Compend  of  Legal  Decisions  on  the  Tenure  of  Church 

Property. — [Ihe  representatives  of  the  Mission  Boards  requested  that 
"  the  Clerks  of  the  Assembly  be  instructed  to  have  prepared,  and  to 
print,  for  the  use  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Assembly  and  of  the  Boards,  as 
occasion  may  arise,  a  briei  compend  or  descriptive  index  of  judicial  de- 
cisions by  civil  courts  in  cases  affecting  the  legal  status  and  rights  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church."     Whereupon  the  Assembly] 

Resolved,  That  the  Clerks  of  the  Assembly  be  and  hereby  are  in- 
structed to  prepare  such  a  compend  as  is  above  described.  Vol,  VII, 
p.  33,  1888. 

In  the  brief  ■  compend  which  has  been  prepared  by  Hon.  A.  M. 
Brown,  of  the  Pittsburgh,  Pa.  bar,  a  mass  of  valuable  information  is 
made  easily  accessible.  The  labor  of  this  distinguished  jurist  has  been 
without  cost  to  the  Church.     Therefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  hearty  thanks  of  this  Assembly  are  due  and 
are  hereby  tendered  to  Hon.  A.  M.  Brown,  for  his  valuable  services. 

2.  That  the  committee  be  and  is  hereby  directed  to  publish  2,000 
copies  of  the  above  named  compend  for  general  distribution.  Vol.  VII, 
p.  210,  1889. 

7.  Church  Property  to  be  Defended  in  the  Name  of  the 

Church. — Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  direct  the  Board  of  Church 
Extension,  or  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  when  the  Board 
of  Church  Extension  is  prevented  by  law  from  taking  the  necessary 
action,  to  act  promptly  in  the  name  of  the  Church  in  all  cases  where,  in 
their  judgment,  counsel  and  financial  help  are  necessary  to  secure  the 
use  of  and  retain  the  property  to  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  413,  1890. 

XXIII.     CLERKS  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY. 

1.  The  Principal  Clerk. — Resolved,  That  there  shall  be  one  prin- 
cipal clerk,  to  be  elected  every  fourth  year.     Vol.  I,  p.  4,  1859. 

2.  The  Election  and  Term  of  Oflace  of  the  Principal  Clerk.— 

See  Rules  of  Order,  3,  5. 
.3.  The  Duties  of  thePrincii)al  Clerk. — See  Rules  of  Order,  13, 1;"). 

4.  The  Salary  of  the  Principal  Clerk. — [His  salary  was  fixed  at 

$65.00,  Vol.  I,  p.  4,  1859  ;  it  was  increased  to  $100.00,  Vol.  Ill,  j). 
129,  1870  ;  allowance  was  made  for  traveling  and  incidental  expenses, 
Vol.  II,  p.  418,  1867;  it  was  decreased  to  $75.00,  Vol.  IV,  p.  588, 
1878.] 

5.  The  Second  Clerk. — Resolved,  That  instead  of  the  assistant 
clerk,  who  is  elected  annually  and  serves  only  during  the  sessions  of  the 
Assembly,  a  second  permanent  clerk' be  elected  for  the  same  term  of 
office  with  the  principal  clerk,  who  in  addition  to  his  duties  during  the 
Assembly,  shall  have  special  charge  of  statistics,  shall  take  measures  to 


128  DIGEST    OF    T)Ii:    ACTS    OF    THK    ASSKMBLY. 

secure  full  and  correct  reports  from  all  the  Presbyteries,  shall  prepare 
the  tables  for  the  press,  and  report  to  the  Assembly  all  Presbyteries 
which  fail  to  send  full  and  accurate  statistics.     Vol.  II,  p.  511,  1868. 

6.  The  Election  and  Term  of  Ofl&ce  of  the  Second  Clerk. — 

See  rules  of  order,  3,  5, 

Resolved,  That  the  term  of  office  of  the  second  clerk  expire  at  the 
close  of  the  business  connected  with  this  Assembly.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  248, 
1871. 

7.  The  Duties  of  the  Second  Clerk.— See  rules  of  order,  14,  15. 

The  second  clerk  is  required  to  furnish  the  Permanent  Committee 
[on  Sabbath  Schools]  all  statistics  that  are  necessary  to  a  full  report. 
Vol.  V,  pp.  188,  241,  1880. 

And  also  to  furnish  the  Permanent  («ommittee  on  Narrative  and 
State  of  Religion  ;ill  the  statistics  necessary  to  a  full  report.  Vol.  V, 
p.  241,  1880.' 

8.  The  Salary  of  the  Second  Clerk. — [His  salary  was  fixed  at 

$45.00,  and  traveling  expenses.  Vol.  II,  p.  511,  1868;  it  was  in- 
creased to  $100.00,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  129,  1870;  it  was  increased  to  $200.- 
<)0,  Vol.  IV,  p.  313,  1876;  it  was  fixed  at  $200.00,  Vol.  IV,  p.  588, 
1878.] 

An  allowance,  not  exceeding  thirty  dollars,  was  made  for  clerical 
assistance.  Vol.  V,  p.  740,  1883.  Expenses  involved  in  the  prepara- 
tion of  the  statistical  reports  are  to  be  paid  from  the  General  Assembly's 
Fund.     Vol.  VI.  p.  20,  1884. 

9.  The  Assistant  Clerk. — Resolved,  That  there  shall  be  one  assist- 
ant clerk,  to  be  elected  annually.     Vol.  I,  p.  4,  1859. 

10.  The  Election  and  Term  of  Ofllce  of  the  Assistant  Clerk.— 

See  rules  of  order,  4. 

11.  The  Salary  of  the  Assistant  Clerk. — [At  first  his  services 

were  rendered  gratituously,  Vol.  I,  p.  4,  1859  ;  but  his  salary  was  fixed 
at  $25.00,  Vol.  1,  p.  121,  1860;  at  $30.00,  Vol.  II,  p.  162,  1865:  at 
$20.00,  Vol.  II,  p.  321,  1866;  at  $30.00,  Vol.  II,  p.  418,  1867;  at 
$25.00,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  270,  1871  ;  at  $25.00,  Vol.  IV,  p.  588,  1878  ;  at 
$25.00,  Vol.  V,  p.  26,  1879  ;  at  $25.00,  Vol.  V,  p.  358,  1881  ;  at  $20.- 
00,  Vol.  V,  p.  534,  1882  ;  at  $25.00,  Vol,  V,  p.  737,  1883  ;  at  $10.00, 
Vol.  VI,  p.  39,  1884.] 

XXIV.     COMMISSION. 

[A  memorial  was  presented  from  the  Presbytery  of  Delaware,  asking 
a  definition  of  the  nature  and  duties  of  a  Commission.  The  Assembly 
adopted  the  following  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That be  a  committee  to  take  into  considera- 
tion the  question  of  Commissions,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

2.  That,  if  said  committee  conclude  that  a  chapter  on  Commissions 
should  be  inserted  in  the  Government  and  Discipline  of  the  Church,  it 
be  authorized  to  prepare  and  present  to  the  next  Assembly  such  a 
chapter.     Vol.  V,  p.  21,   1879. 

[The  committee  reported.  Vol.  V,  p.  252,  1880,  and  the  Assembly, 
after  discussion,  adopted  the  following  paper:] 

Resolved,   1.   That  the  following  question  be  submitted  to  the  Presby- 


COMMISSION.  129 

teries  to  be  voted  upon,  yea  or  nay,  and  the  vote  reported  to  the  next 
Assembly: 

"  Shall  the  General  Assembly  order  the  preparation  of  a  chapter,  to 
be  added  (after  overture  to  Presbyteries  and  adoption  bv  them),  to  our 
iJook  ot  Government  and  Discipline,  providing  for,  and"  re-ulatin-  the 
■appointment  of  Commissions  l)y  Sessions,  Presbyteries  and  Synods''?" 

2.  That  the  paper  now  before  the  Assembly  be  published  in  the  min- 
utes  and  in  the  i.eriodicals  of  the  Cliurch,  submitted  to  Presbyteries  for 
their  consideration  in  connection  with  this  question,  and  referred  to  the 
next  General  Assembly.     Vol.  V,  p.  183,  1880. 

The  overture  was  adopted  by  its  following  vote  :  Ayes,  418  ;  Nays, 
409  ;  not  voting,  50.  ^ 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  appoint  a  committee  of  three  to  pre- 
pare the  Chapter  on  Commissions,  which  was  contemplated  in  that 
overture.     \  ol.  Y,  p.  343,   1881. 

[The  committee  reported— Vol.  V,  p.  592,  1882— the  draft  of  a 
Chapter  on  Commissions,  to  be  added,  if  approved,  to  Part  I  of  the 
liook  of  Government,  and  corresponding  changes  to  be  made  in  olher 
parts  of  the  Book,  if  the  chapter  should  be  adopted.  The  resolution  to 
overture  the  prepared  chapter  was  lost— ayes,  76  ;  nays,  78_but  the 
report,  after  discussion,  was  amended  and  adopted  as  follows  :] 

Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly,  recognizing  the  rirrht  of 
bynods.  Presbyteries  and  Sessions,  to  appoint  commissions  in  special 
matters,  does  hereby  adopt  the  following  rules,  defining  their  scope  and 
regulating  their  procedure  under  then^  viz.  : 

1.  A  commission  is  an  agency  invested  with  the  power  of  the  court 
appointing  it,  and  authorized  to  deliberate  upon  and  conclude  the  busi- 
ness  submitted  to  it.  It  is  not  in  itself  a  court,  but  acts  for  and  in  the 
stead  ot  the  court  it  represents;  its  powers  are  defined  by  the  terms  of 
Its  appointment,  and  its  existence  terminates  with  the  particular  busi- 
ness committed  to  it. 

2.  Such  commissions  may  be  appointed  bv  Sessions,  Presbyteries  and 
bynods,  to  act  in  matters  to  which  the  full  court  cannot,  without  <rreat 
inconvenience,  attend  ;  or  in  which  the  ends  of  government  may  be 
more. judiciously  attained  by  this  means  than  by  a  meeting  of  the  court 
Itself,  and  by  the  General  Assembly  for  the  adjudication  of  appeals  in 
cases  of  discipline. 

3.  Commissions  may  be  appointed  in  delicate  or  difficult  matters  re- 
quiring much  deliberation  and  prudence  ;  for  the  organization  of  con- 
gregations ;  as  provisional  Sessions  for  mission  or  partially  disorganized 
■congregations ;  for  the  installation  of  ministers  ;  for  taking  tes^timony 
in  judicial  cases  ;  for  the  visitation  of  congregations  ;  for  life  investi-m- 
tion  of  offences  and  irregularities,  proi)erly  brought  before  the  coiTrt, 
and  for  the  trial  of  cases,  and  the  adjudication  of  appeals  and  com- 
plaints. 

4.  Except  for  the  organization  of  a  consregation  and  for  a  provis- 
ional Session,  a  commission  of  Presbytery  shall  consist  of  not  less  than 
two  ministers  and  an  elder  ;  a  commission  of  Synod  of  not  less  than 
five  ministers  and  four  elders  ;  and  of  the  General  Assembly  of  not  less 
than  eight  ministers  and  seven  elders.  In  each  case  two-thirds  shall 
constitute  a  quorum. 

9 


130  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

5.  The  proceedings  of  a  commission  shall  be  according  to  the  rules  of 
the  court  it  re])resents,  and  shall  be  subject  to  review,  appeal  and  com- 
plaint. It  shall,  therefore,  submit  a  full  record  of  its  proceedings  to  the 
court  appointing  it,  which,  if  the  proceedings  have  been  regular,  and 
the  commission  has  not  exceeded  its  powers,  shall  be  entered  upon  and 
become  a  part  of  the  recoids  of  the  court. 

6.  The  right  of  dissent,  protest,  appeal  and  complaint,  and  the  rules 
of  procedure  therein,  shall  be  the  same  as  in  the  full  court.  The  reason 
for  ])rotest,  ajipeal  or  complaint  shall  be  lodged  with  the  Moderator  or 
the  Clerk  of  tlie  Court  ap[)ointing  the  commission,  and  the  commission 
shall  not  app<-'ar  in  any  subsequent  proceedings. 

7.  A  judicial  commission  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  report  its 
finding  of  the  facts  in  the  case,  and  aiso  its  judgment  thereon.  The 
finding  of  the  facts  shall  be  final,  but  the  General  Assembly  may  review 
the  judgment. 

8.  The  court  appointing  a  commission  shall  ilesignate  the  time  and 
place  of  its  meeting,  the  nature  of  the  business  submitted  to  it,  and  the 
extent  of  the  power  delegated  to  it,  and  the  clerk  shall  give  the  chair- 
man a  copy  of  the  record,  with  all  the  papers  relating  to  the  business. 
Vol.  V,  p.  527,  18«2. 

XXY.     COMMITTEES. 

1.  Standing  Committees. — See  rules  of  order,  18-29,  and  Ap- 
propriation. 

2.  Permanent   Committees. — I.    On    Finance.      See    Finance. 

II.  On    jS'aki{ative   and  State  of  Keligion Resolved,  That  the 

rule  requiring  the  appointment  of  a  committee  on  the  Narrative  and 
State  of  Religion  soon  after  the  opening  of  each  Assembly  be  suspended; 
and  that  such  committee  shall  be  appointed  before  each  Assembly  rises  ; 
and  that  this  committee  shall  have  under  consideration,  during  the  en- 
tire year,  the  conditions,  tendencies  and  development  of  the  spiritual 
life  of  the  church,  and  shall  report  to  the  next  Assembly  ;  and  in  order 
that  this  report  may  be  made  more  intelligently,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  Presbyteries  to  forward  to  the  chairman  of  this  committee,  their  re- 
ports on  the  state  of  religion  in  the  churches  under  their  care,  not  later 
than  the  first  day  of  jMay  of  each  year.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  158,  1870. 

2.  That  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1870  relative  to  the  Committees 
on  Narrative  and  State  of  Religion,  be  hereby  rescinded. 

3.  That  the  rule  defining  the  duties  of  the  Committee  on  Narrative 
and  State  of  Religion  be  so  amended  as  to  require  said  committee  to 
report  to  the  General  Assembly  following  its  ap})ointment  ;  and  in  order 
that  this  report  may  be  made  more  intelligently,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  Presbyteries  to  forward  to  the  chairman  of  said  committee  their  re- 
ports on   the  state  of  religion  in   the  churches  under  their  care.     Vol. 

III,  p.  518,  1873.  [It  is,  however,  the  custom  to  appoint  two  com- 
mittees on  Narrative  and  State  of  Religion  each  year ;  one  a  standing 
committee,  to  report  to  the  Assembly  by  whicii  it  was  appointed  ;  the 
other  a  permanent  committee,  to  report  to  the  Assembly  following  its 
appointment.] 

[The  Permanent  Committee  was  instructed  to  prepare  and  distribute 


COMMITTEES.  ];31 

through  the  Second  Clerk  of  the  Asseml.ly,  blanks  for  reports  by  con- 
gregations ana  Presbyteries.  Vol.  lY,  p.  15,  1874.  This  superseded 
a  previous  order  tliat  the  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  prepare  blank  forms 
i«rQ^^''??  '''^  ^"^  !"''""-'^'^^'^^l  to  '»'«  General  Assembly.  Vol.  II,  p.  504, 
l»bb^.      ihe  blanks  are  now  sent  out  by  the  Committee.]    . 

[The  Permanent  Committee  was  directed  to  prepare  an  outline  for  a 
report,  specifying  the  general  objects  on  which  information  is  desired 
se  ecting  only  such  subjects  as  will  sho\y  the  spiritual  condition  of  the 
i^liurch,  the  general  drift  of  religious  sentiment,  and  the  friendly  or  op- 
posing influences  wiiich  are  met  ;  to  be  sent  to  each  Presbytery,  a  con- 
erence  to  be  held  on  ti.e  subject  and  a  narrative  prepared  and  sent  to 
the  Committee.  I  l.e  Second  Clerk  was  required  to.furnish  to  the  Com- 
?1'I''w'Lm  '''^^;,^"-^''<-'^  /'''-^f  •"•«  necessary  to  a  full  report.  Vol.  V,  p. 
tinued  1  sending  of  blanks  by  the  Second  Clerk  was  discon- 

Jiesolved,  3.  That  the  Permanent  Committee  [on  Narrative!   be  an- 
pointed  for  three  years,  and  that  the  name  at  the  head  of  the  committee 
be  retire^d  each  year,  and  another  name  be  added  to  the  foot.      Vol.  VII 
p.  22,  1 88s.  ' 

in.  On  Reduced  Railroad  Fare.— Whereas,  We  believe  it  to  be 
for  the  best  interests  of  future  General  Assemblies  and  the  church  at 
large  to  have  the  Committee  on  reduced  railroad  rates  composed  of  a 
permanent  committee  of  one  ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly  appoint  one  suitable  person,  with  an 
alternate,  as  such  committee. 

_    2.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  said  committee  to  attend  all  the  meet- 
ings of  the  General  Asseml)ly. 

•    \  TJiat  provision  be  made  for  the  payment  of  all  expenses  incurred 
in  the  discharge  of   his  official  duties.     Vol.  VI,  p.  427,  1886. 

[This  rule  was  not  repealed,  but  the  Assembly  adopted  the  folIowin«r  -1 

.Resolved,  That  .  .  [five  persons]  be  appointed  theAssembly's  com- 
mittee  to  arrange  for  reduced  rates  of  transportation  for  the  Assembly 
which  IS  to  meet  in  Allegheny.     Vol.  VII,  p.  656,  1891. 

IV.  On  "RQiorm.— Resolved,  That  a  permanent  committee  be 
created  to  be  known  as  the  Committee  on  Reform,  to  whom  shall  be 
referred  all  memorials  and  papers  on  the  subjects  of  the  Sabbath  Tem- 
perance, Aational  Reform,  etc.,  and  this  committee  shall  consist  of  three 
ministers  and  two  ruling  elders.     Vol.  VI.  p.  442,  1886. 

V.  On  Sabbath  Schools.— See  Sabbath  Schools,  Sec.  3,  and  Pub- 
hcation,  Lonrd  of,  .Sec.  12.  ^  ,       u.  j.  uu 

VI.  On  Ways  and  Means.  —  7?«o/recf,  That  there  be  appointed 
annually  a  1  ermanent  Committee  on  Ways  and  Means,  whose  duties 
shall  be  as  above  mentioned  [-  to  devise  and  execute  proper  measures  for 
raising  the  money  necessary  to  support  the  general  work  of  the  Church, 
and  to  report  annuallyto  the  General  Assembly  :"]  to  consist  of  seven 
members,  four  of  them  living  in  one  place,  and  the  other  three  in  diff- 
erent  parts  of  the  Clinrcli.     Vol.  VII,  p.  33,  1888 

yii.  On  Young-  People's  Work.  —  l.  That*  a  permanent  com- 
mittee of  hve  be  appointed  to  give  general  direction  to  the  work  amonc. 
our  young  people,  with  authority  to  prepare  and  publish  a  constitution 
tor  young  people  s  societies,  in  harmony  with  the  principles  and  usa-es 


132  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

•of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  that  the  name  at  the  head  of 
the  committee  be  retired  each  year  and  anotlier  name  be  added  at  the 
foot.     Vol.  VII,  p.  214,   1889. 

3.  Expenses  of  Permanent  Committees.  —  Resolved,  6.  That 

committees  to  meet  with  committees  ot  other  churches,  and  the  perma- 
nent committees,  report  their  expenses  to  the  General  Assembly  for 
payment.     Vol.  IV,  p.  453,  1877. 

XXVI.  CONFEDERATION  OF  EVANGELICAL 
CHUKCHES. 

1.  Confederation  is  not  for  Edification. — Resolved,  That  while 

-cherisliing  kind  and  Christian  regards  lor  every  follower  of  Ciirist,  and 
for  all  evangelical  churches,  and  while  holding  itself  ready  to  co-operate 
in  any  good  work  with  the  servants  of  Christ  of  ^txery  name,  yet  this 
Assembly  does  not  feel  that  it  would  be  for  edification  for  us  to  set 
aside,  in  principle  or  practice,  any  of  its  distinctive  features  as  a  portion 
of  the  visible  church,  or  even  seem  to  affect  a  union  which  could  not  in 
reality  exist.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  524,  1873. 

2.  Conference  on  a  Federation  of  Churches. — On  the  com- 
munication from  tlie  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  re- 
questing the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  confer  with  similar  com- 
mittees from  otlier  Cliurches  for  tlie  purpose  of  securing  a  federation  of 
the  Cliristian  Churches  of  this  land,  your  committeee  believe  that  the 
objects  sought  to  be  accomplished  by  such  a  conference  are  certainly 
very  desirable  and  may  be  briefly  stated  as  follows:  (1)  The 
-concentration  of  the  influence  and  efforts  of  all  evangelical  Churches  in 
the  work  of  reclaiming  the  Christless  masses.  (2)  The  prosecution  of 
home  and  foreign  missionary  work  by  the  different  Churches  on  the 
same  principles  of  comity,  so  that  different  Churches  may  cultivate  par- 
ticular fields  and  so  avoid  unseemly  strife,  (3)  The  education  of  the 
public  conscience  with  scriptural  views  on  marriage  and  divorce,  the 
Sabbath,  temperance,  and  other  moral  and  social  questions  It  seems  to 
your  committee  that  it  is  worth  while  to  at  least  make  the  attempt  to 
accomplish  such  desirable  results,  and  therefore  we  reccommend  for 
jour  adoption  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  committee  of 

three  to  represent  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  meetings  of 
the  Committee  on  Federation  of  the  Churches  of  this  land.  Vol.  VII, 
p.  674,  1891. 

XXVII.     CORRESPONDING   CHURCHES. 

1.  Names  of  Corresnonding"  Churches. — Associate  Reformed 

Synod  of  the  South.     Vol?  II,  p.  487,  1868. 

General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
of  America.     (O.  S.)     Vol.  I,  p.  352,  1862. 

General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States 
■of  America.     (N.  S.)     Vol.  I.  p.  39,  1859. 

Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church.     Vol.  I,  p.  494,  1863" 

General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Cliurch.  Vol.  I,  p. 
494,  1863. 


CORRESPONDING    CHURCHES.  13S 

General  Synod  of  the  Reformed  (Dutch)  Churcli.  Vol.  II,  p.  147, 
1865. 

General  Synod  of  tlie  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church  of  the  United 
States  of  America.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  Ill,  1870. 

Synod  of  the  Free  Presbyterian  Churcli.     Vol.  II,  p.  152,  1865. 

Synod  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  in  Canada.  Vol.  I,  p.  123^ 
1860. 

Synod  of  the  Canada  Presbyterian  Church.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  11,  1869. 

Synod  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  the  Maritime  Provinces.  VoL 
III,' p.  380,  1872. 

Synod  of  tlie  Presbyterian  Churcli  of  the  Lower  Provinces.  Vol. 
Ill,' p.  380,  1872. 

General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Cluirch  in  Ireland.  Vol.  I^ 
p.  32,  1859. 

Assembly  of  the  Free  Presbyterian  Church  of  Scotland.  Vol.  I,  p^ 
39,  1859. 

Synod  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Scotland.  Vol.  I,  p. 
39,  'l859. 

General  Assembly  of  the  Established  Church  of  Scotland.  Vol.  IV, 
p.  39,  1874. 

Synod  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  of  England.     Vol.  I,  p.  39,  1859. 

General  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Vol,  VI, 
p.  31,1884. 

National  Council  of  the  Congregational  Churches.  Vol.  VI,  p.  31, 
1884. 

Svnod  of  the  Holland  Christian  Reformed  Church.  Vol.  VII,  p.  34, 
1888. 

Vaudois  Churches  in  Italy.     Vol.  I,  p.  123,  1860. 

Church  of  the  Waldenses.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  514,  1873. 

Free  Christian  Church  in  Italy.     Vol.  IV,  p.  39,  1874. 

The  Evangelical  Society  of  Geneva.     Vol.  VI,  p.  659,  1887. 

2.  Expenses  of  Delegates  to  Corresponding  Churches. — Be- 

solved,  6.  That  the  delegates  of  the  Assembly  to  other  bodies  report 
their  expenses  to  the  General  Assembly  for  payment.  Vol.  IV,  p.  453, 
1877.  [This  rule  lias  not  been  applied  to  delegates  to  Churches  in  for- 
feign  countries  or  the  Council  of  Presbyterian  Churches.] 

3.  No  More  Delegates  to  Corresponding  Churches  to  be  Ap- 
pointed.— Resolved,  1.  Tliat  after  the  present  year  the  appointment  of 
delegates  to  other  churches  be  suspended,  with  the  exception  of  the  As- 
sociate Reformed  Synod  of  the  South.     Vol.  IV,  p.  576,  1878. 

Resolved,  That  as  it  was  understood  that  the  main  object  of  the- 
various  branches  of  the  Presbyterian  family  holding  intercourse  witb 
one  another  by  delegates  has  been  largely  provided  for  by  the  General 
Presbyterian  Council,  and  the  Assembly  has  generally  discontinued  the 
practice;  therefore,  nothing  more  is  required  in  this  case,  [viz:  Gen- 
eral Synod  of  the  Reformed  Church.]     Vol.  V,  p.  363,  1881. 

Resolved,  That  the  rule  in  regard  to  the  appointment  of  delegates  be 
suspended  for  this  year,  and  that  they  be  appointed  to  these  bodies,  [vizr 
The  General  Synod  of  Reformed  Church  in  America,  and  the  Evan- 
gelical Lutheran  Synod.]     Vol.  V,  p.  538,  1882. 

[Delegates  were  subsequently  appointed  as  follows: 


134  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

To  the  General  Synotl  of  the  Reformed  Cliurch  in  America,  Vol. 
Y,  p.  742,  1883;  Vol.  VI,  p.  31,  1884;  p.  417,  188G  ;  p.  684,  1887; 
Vol.  VII,  p.  35.  1888. 

To  the  General  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  Vol. 
V,  p.  31,  1884. 

To  the  National  Council  of  Congregational  Churches,  Vol.  V,  p.  31, 
1884. 

To  the  Synod  of  the  "Waldensian  Church,  Vol.  VIII,  p.  235, 
1889. 

To  the  Svnod  of  the  Holland  Christian  Reformed  Ciiurch,  Vol. 
VII,  p.  35,  1888. 

To  the  Centennial  Meeting  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  Vol.  VI,  p.  684, 
1887.] 

XXVIII.     CORRESPONDING  SECRETARIES. 

1.  The  Election  and  Term  of  OflBce  of  the  Corresponding 

Secretaries  of  the  Boards. — Tiiere  shall  be  for  eacli  Board  a  Cor- 
responding Seci-eiary,  elected  by  the  General  Assembly  for  a  term  of 
four  years.     Vol.  IV,  }).  22.  1874. 

2.  Salary  of  the  Corresponding"  Secretaries. — See  Salary. 

o.  The  Right  of  Corresponding  Secretaries  to  Speak  in  the 

Assembly. — Tlie  corresponding  secretaries  sliall  liave  tlie  right  to 
speak  in  the  Assembly  on  all  (juestions  relating  to  the  Boards  with 
which  they  are  severally  connected.      A"ol.  IV,  p.  22,  1874. 

4.  Corresponding   Secretaries  are    Ex-officio  Members  of 

the  Boards. — Tiiere  shall  be  for  eacli  Board,  a  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary. *  *  :!=  -who  shall  be  ex-ojfficio  a  member  of  the  Board.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  22,  1874. 

5.  On  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions  Giving   His  Whole  Time  to  the   Wor^.— Resolved, 

Tljat  the  question  of  tiie  propriety  of  employing  and  directing  the  Sec- 
retary to  devote  all  his  time  to  the  work  of  iiis  office,  be  referred  to  the 
Presbyteries,  with  instructions  to  repoi-t  on  the  subject  to  the  next  Gen- 
eral Assembly.     Vol.  II,  p.  410,  1867. 

Tlie  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures  presented  a  report  on  the 
ovei-tures,  *  *  which  was  adopted.  *  *  On  tiie  propriety  of 
em|)loying  and  directing  the  vSecretary  of  the  Board  of  Home  JMissions 
to  devote  all  his  time  to  the  work  of  his  office,  the  following  vote  is  re- 
ported by  thirty-four  Presbyteries  ;  Wlio'e  number  of  votes  given, 
454:  number  for  employing  a  Permanent  Secretary,  124;  number 
against,  330.  There  is  thus  a  decided  majority  against  employing  and 
directing  the  Secretary  to  devote  all  his  time  to  his  office.  Vol.  II,  p. 
498,  1868. 

Resolved,  That  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions  be  requested  to  devote  his  time  exclusively  to  the  work  of  the 
Secretaryshij).      Vol,  VI,  p.  468,  1886. 

6.  On  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  Church  Extension 
Giving  His  Whole  Time  to  the  '^or'^.— Resolved,  8.  That  the 

Board  be  directed  to  take  under  advisement  the  propriety  or  feasibility 


Dawson's  appeals.  135 

of  requiring  the  CoiTespondinj?  Secretary  to  devote  his  entire  time  and 
attention  to  the  work  entrusted  to  tliis  Board,  and  its  judgment  on  the 
point  be  reported  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Vol.  V,  p.  739, 
1883. 

[The  Board  reported  : 

After  carefully  considering  the  subject  in  the  light  of  our  experience, 
keeping  in  view  the  constant  and  somewhat  rapid  enlargement  of  the 
work  entrusted  to  our  care,  we  earnestly  recommend  that  such  action  be 
taken  by  the  Assembly  as  will  secure  for  this  important  department  of 
the  Cliurch's  work  the  entire  time  and  attention  of  the  Corresponding 
Secretary  of  this  Board. 

The  Assembly  took  the  following  action  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  does  not  deem  it  expedient  at  the  pres- 
ent time.     Vol.  VI,  pp.  77,  3,3,  1884. 

XXIX.     COVENANTING. 

Resolved,  1.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  pastors  to  instruct  their  people  in 
relation  to  the  nature  of  the  duty  of  public  social  covenanting,  and  the 
proper  seasons  for  its  observance,  in  common  with  other  religious  duties. 

2.  That  pastors  and  Sessions  should  carefully  observe  the  dispen- 
sations of  Divine  providence  ;  and  if  the  circumstances  of  congregations 
furnish  a  call,  and  it  is  deeme'd  for  edification,  that  they  engage  in  the 
observance  of  the  duty.      Vol.  I,  p.  170,  1860. 

Resolved,  That  while  congregations  may  consider  the  dealings  of  Di- 
vine providence  with  them  and  the  church  at  large,  to  determine  what 
is  their  duty  in  relation  to  this  matter,  this  General  Assembly  does  not 
see  that  the  circumstances  in  which  we  are  placed  furnish  a  special 
providential  call  to  the  church  to  engage  in  the  dut}^  of  public  social 
covenanting  with  God  at  the  present  time.      Vol.  1,  p.  483,  1863. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  be  instructed  to  prepare  a  brief  chapter 
on  social  covenanting,  and  that  it  be  embraced  in  this  overture,  [on  the 
Directory  for  AVorship.]     Vol.  II,  p.  27,  1804. 

XXX.     DAWSON'S  APPEALS. 
First  :  The  Resignation  of  an  Elder  made  void  by  an  Appeal 

Sustained. — [James  Dawson  and  otliers  appealed  from  a  decision 
of  the  Synod  of  Iowa,  in  a  case  carried  up  from  the  Presbytery  of  Keo- 
kuk.    The  following  is  a  statement  of  the  case  :] 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Keokuk,  held  at  Wash- 
ington, la.,  Fel)ruary  24,  188.3,  the  Presbytery  received  and  recorded 
the  report  of  a  Commission,  appointed  at  a  previous  meeting,  directing 
James  Dawson,  Alexander  Knox,  and  James  Skinner,  members  of  Ses- 
sion of  the  First  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Washington,  to  resign 
their  office  as  elders  on  the  first  Monday  of  March,  1885,  at  2  p.  m.,  and 
also  directing  Session  to  accept  their  resignations.  An  appeal  from  this 
action  was  taken  by  George  Warrington,  J.  T.  Tate,  James  Dawson, 
and  Alexander  Knox.  The  Session  met  at  the  time  appointed,  and 
James  Skinner  expressed  his  willingness  to  resign,  but  no  action  was 
taken   by  Session  at   this   meeting.      At  a  subsequent   meeting,  held 


136  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

April  27,  1885,  tlie  resignation  of  James  Skinner  was  presented  and 
accepted  by  the  Session. 

AVhen  the  above  appeal  came  before  the  Synod  of  Iowa,  at  Omaha, 
September  29,  1885,  it  was  sustained,  and  the  action  of  Presbytery  re- 
versed. At  a  meeting  of  Presbytery  held  December  7,  1885,  the  ques- 
tion was  raised  concerning  the  standing  of  James  Skinner  as  an  elder  in 
the  First  Church  of  AVashington.  The  Presbytery  took  tlie  following 
action  :  "  liesolced.  That  inasmuch  as  the  appeal  from  Presbytery  has 
been  sustained  by  Synod  and  tlie  action  of  Presbytery  reversed,  it  is  the 
opinion  of  Presbytery  tliat  James  Skinner  is  still  a  member  of  the  Ses- 
sion of  the  First  Churcli."  Of  this  action  Robert  Braden  and  others 
complained  to  Synod  to  meet  at  Cedar  R;ii)ids,  September  28.  1886. 
The  action  of  Synod  on  this  complaint  was  as  follows  :  '■^Resolved,  That, 
in  view  of  all  the  circumstances,  there  is  no  valid  ground  of  complaint." 
From  this  action  the  appellants  bring  their  appeal  to  this  Assembly. 
Your  Committee  find  that  the  appeal  is  regularly  before  the  Assembly, 
and  recommend  that  it  be  taken  up  and  issued  according  to  order. 

The  appeal  was  not  sustained.      Vol.  VI,  p.  664,  1887. 

Second  :  Right  of  an  Elder  to  his  Seat  Pending  an  Appeal. — 

[A  second  appeal  trom  the  Synod  of  Iowa  was  presented  by  James 
Dawson  and  others.] 

This  appeal  comes  before  the  Assembly  based  on  the  following  facts  : 

After  appeal  No.  1  had  been  taken,  the  question  was  raised  concern- 
ing the  right  of  James  Skinner  to  act  witli  the  Session  of  the  First 
Church  of  Washington  while  tlui  appeal  was  pending  concerning  his 
right  to  a  place  in  the  Session.  On  this  question  the  Synod  of  Iowa 
took  the  following  action  :  ''  Resolced,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this 
Synod  he  is  entitled  to  sit  and  act  with  the  Session."  From  this  action 
tlie  present  appeal  is  taken  to  this  Assembly. 

Your  Committee  find  that  the  appeal  is  regularly  before  the  Assem- 
bly. But  inasmuch  as  the  matter  at  issue  in  it  has  been  terminated  by 
the  decision  of  appeal  Ko.  1,  the  committee  recommend  the  following 
action : 

Resolved,  That  no  further  proceedings  in  this  case  are  necessary. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  680,  1887. 


XXXI.     DEACONS. 

[A  memorial  was  presented  asking  such  a  change  in  the  Book  of 
Government  as  would  allow  the  election  of  Deaconesses,  Vol.  IV,  p. 
153,  1875,  when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
prepare  for  the  next  General  Assembly  a  report  on  the  subject  of  the 
deaconship,  dealing  particularly  with  the  questions  as  to  the  perpetuity 
of  the  office,  the  functions  pertaining  to  it,  and  the  persons  eligible  to  it ; 
said  committee  to  furnish  by  February  1st,  1876,  a  copy  of  their  report 
for  publication  in  the  periodicals  issued  peculiarly  in  the  interests  of  our 
church.     Vol.  IV,  p.  186,  1875. 

[This  report,  as  published  in  the  papers  of  the  church,  was  brought 
before  the  next  Assembly,  when]  after  discussion,  the  further  consider- 


DEACONS.  137 

ation  of  the  whole  subject  was  postponed,  and  the  report  of  the  commit- 
tee was  referred  to  the  next  Assembly.     Vol.  IV,  p.  301,  1876. 

[At  the  next  Assembly  this  report  was  referred  to  a  special  commit- 
tee, Vol  IV,  p.  434,  1877,  but  their  report  was  laid  on  the  table,  Vol. 
IV,  p.  455,  1877.  At  the  next  Assembly  the  resolutions  of  the  original 
report  were  adopted.]  Resolved,  1.  that  the  General  Assembly, 
heartily  approving  of  the  teaching  of  its  subordinate  standards  touching 
the  Divine  institution  and  permanent  obligation  of  the  office  of  deacon"^ 
and  being  persuaded  also  that  it  is  of  great  importance  for  the  welfare 
of  the  church  that  the  teacJiing  of  these  standards  on  this  subject  be  re- 
duced to  practice,  hereby  enjoins  Synods,  Presbyteries  and  Sessions  to 
adopt  measures,  witli  all  becoming  promptitude,  to  have  deacons  ap- 
pointed in  the  different  congregations  of  the  church,  in  the  manner  pre- 
Bcribed  in  the  Book  of  Government  and  Discipline. 

2.  That  Presbyteries  be,  and  they  iiereby  are,  directed  to  report  to 
the  General  Assembly,  from  time  to  time,  the  progress  made  in  carry- 
ing into  effect,  in  their  respective  bounds,  the  direction  just  given. 

3.  That  Synods  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  urged  to  take  immediate 
steps  for  securing  witiiin  their  respective  limits  such  civil  legislation  in 
regard  to  the  tenure  of  ecclesiastical  property  as  may  be  requisite  to  en- 
able congregations  to  commit  to  deacons  the  ciiarge  which  now  rests 
upon  ordinary  trustees. 

^  4.  That  while  the  General  Assembly  does  not  find  in  Scripture  suffi- 
cient authority  for  the  ordination  of  women  to  the  office  of  deacon,  it  is 
convinced  that  pious  women  may,  with  profit  to  themselves,  and  with 
great  advantage  to  the  cause  of  suffering  humanity  and  of  Christ,  be 
organized  to  act  as  assistants  of  the  deacon  ;  it  being  understood,  how- 
ever, that  those  so  devoting  themselves  and  banded  together,  shall  not 
be  formed  into  sisterhoods  living  apart  from  ordinary  society,  after  the 
manner  of  certain  Popish  devotees,  or  even  of  some'associations  found 
in  certain  denominations  of  the  Protestant  Church.  Vol.  IV,  p.  567. 
1878.  ^ 

[Six  Presbyteries  reported  the  progress  they  had  made  in  carrying 
into  effect  the  action  of  the  Assembly.     The  following  was  adopted  :]° 

In  view  of  the  importance  of  this  office,  and  especially  of  having 
deacons  as  spiritual  officers  of  the  church  to  take  the  place  of  trustees 
in  the  management  of  the  temporal  affairs  of  the  congregations,  the 
following  action  is  recommended  : 

Resolved,  That  all  the  congregations  under  the  care  of  the  Assembly 
be  instructed  to  endeavor  to  have  the  law  of  the  church  in  regard  to 
this  office  carried  out,  by  having  deacons  ordained  and  installed  in  their 
midst  as  soon  as  their  circumstances  permit.     Vol.  V,  p.  28,  1879, 

[At  the  next  Assembly  memorials  were  presented  from  several  Pres- 
byteries asking  lor  a  modification  of  the  acts  of  1878  and  1879.  The 
action  taken  is  as  follows  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  deacons  are  mentioned  among  the  regular  and  per- 
manent officers  of  the  New  Testament  church,  but  since  elders  are 
entirely  competent  to  exercise  the  duties  of  the  diaconate,  those  con- 
gregations in  which  these  duties  are  successfully  performed  by  the  elders 
have  fulfilled  the  spirit  of  the  law,  and  nothing  more  is  required. 

2.  That  the  language  of  the  Book  of  Government  indicates  that  the 


138  DIGEST    OF    THK    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

duties  of  the  diaconate  are  of  two  classes,  those  which  belong  essentially 
to  the  office  and  those  which  may  be  assigned  to  it.  The  first  are  spec- 
ified as  those  which  belong  to  the  collection  and  distribution  of  the 
church's  charities,  which  include  all  the  benevolent  contributions  of  the 
church;  the  second  to  all  such  temporalities  as  maybe  committed  to 
their  care. 

3.  That  there  is  nothing  in  the  constitution  of  the  church  forbidding 
the  aj)))ointment  of  trustees  for  the  management  of  church  property, 
under  the  restrictions  of  the  Assembly  of  1873. 

4.  That  the  third  resolution  of  1878,  intended  to  prepare  the  way 
through  civil  legislation  for  committing  to  deacons  the  legal  ownership 
of  church  property  now  vested  in  trustees,  be  repealed  as  both  dilficult 
and  unnecessary.      Vol.  V,  p.  194,  1880. 

2.  Resignation  of  Deacons. — "  To  whom  shall  the  ruling  elder  or 
deacon  offer  his  resignation  when  desiring  to  retire  from  active  service  ; 
and  what  constitutional  steps  are  necessary  to  complete  the  act?" 

Resolved,  1.  He  shall  offer  his  resignation  to  the  Session,  which  is  the 
primary  court  of  the  elder  or  deacon. 

2.  The  same  steps  are  to  be  taken  as  in  the  case  of  the  teaching 
elder.  Book  of  Government,  Part  II,  Chap.  VI,  Art.  IV.  Vol.  V, 
p.  720,  1883. 

XXXII.     DELEGATE  FUND. 

1.  General  Delegate  Fund. — Resolved,  l.  That  a  committee  be 
appointed  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly  on  the  propriety  of  establish- 
ing a  general  delegates'  fund. 

2.  That  the  committee  contemplated  in  the  foregoing  resolution,  be 
instructed  to  report  a  plan  for  establishing  and  managing  such  fund, 
should  they  see  fit  to  report  in  favor  of  founding  it.  Vol.  II,  p.  29, 
18G4. 

[The  report  of  this  committee  was  referred    to   a   special  committee, 
Vol.  II,  p.  142,  1865,  which  reported  the  following  resolutions:] 
Resolved,  1.  That  a  delegate  fund  be  established  by  the  Assembly. 

2.  That  a  sum  be  assessed  on  the  several  Presl)yteries  in  proportion 
to  the  number  of  communicants  under  their  care,  sufficient  to  allow  an 
average  of  thirty  dollars  per  delegate  to  the  Assembly,  which,  in  the 
judgment  of  your  committee,  would  amount  to  six  thousand  dollars. 

3.  That  Presbyteries  be  required  to  deposit  their  contributions  in  the 
hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Assembly  annually,  before  the  meeting  of 
the  Assembly. 

4.  That  the  Committee  on  Credentials  be  authorized  to  furnish  each 
commissioner  to  the  Assembly  with  an  order  on  the  treasurer  for  an 
amount  equal  to  his  necessary  expenses  by  the  most  direct  route  to  the 
Assembly,  or  in  proportion  to  such  expense  in  case  of  a  deficiency  in 
the  treasury. 

5.  That  if  any  Presbytery  shall  neglect  to  contribute  their  propor- 
tion, their  commissioners  shall  not  be  paid,  if  there  be  a  deficiency  in 
the  treasury.  Vol.  II,  p.  1G9,  18Go.  [These  resolutions  were  referred 
to  the  next  Assembly,  but  it  seems  they  were  never  acted  on.] 

[The  Presbytery  of  Kansas  memorialized  the  Assembly  to  institute 


DELEGATE    FUND.  139 

a  delegates'  fund   for   tlie  whole   Church,  but   the   Assembly  in  view  of 
♦'  previous  experience,''] 

Resolved,  Tiiat  it  would  be  unwise,  at  present,  to  make  any  change 
in  this  particular.      Vol.  II,  p.  495,  1868. 

Resolved,  \.  That  a  committee  be  appointed,  to  whom  shall  be  re- 
ferred for  their  report  at  the  next  Assembly  the  subject  of  making  pro- 
vision for  the  entertainment  of  commissioners  to  the  Assembly,  as 
brought  before  this  Assembly  by  the  memorial  from  tlie  Presbytery  of 
Allegheny.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  422,  1872.  [This  committee  reported  to  the 
next  Assembly,  but  no  action  appears  to  have  been  taken.  Vol.  Ill, 
p.  515,  1873.] 

[Certain  memorials,  asking  for  the  establishment  of  a  general  dele- 
gate fund,  and  a  sustentation  fund,  having  been  presented  to  the  As- 
sembly, the  following  resolutions  were  adopted  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  deem  it  inexpedient  to  establish  either  of  these 
funds  at  the  present  time. 

2.  That  a  committee  of  one  member  from  each  Synod  be  appointed, 
to  whom  all  the  papers  relating  to  these  subjects  shall  be  referred,  and 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  consider  these  subjects  carefully,  and  report 
to  the  next  General  Assembly  ;  and  also  to  publish  their  report  in  the 
papers  of  the  church,  at  least  three  months  before  the  meeting  of  the 
Assembly.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  543,  1873.  [This  committee  reported,  and 
their  report  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures, 
which  reported  with  reference  to  the  sustentation  fund,  but  not  with 
reference  to  the  delegate  fund.     Vol.  IV.  p.  12,  1874.] 

The  memorial  of  the  Presbytery  of  Monongahela  asks  that  a  general 
law  be  enacted  requiring  Presbyteries  to  pay  the  traveling  expenses  and 
the  bills  for  boarding  and  lodging  of  their  respective  delegates  during 
their  attendance  on  the  sessions  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  author- 
izing Presbyteries  to  refuse  to  pay  in  cases  in  which  the  congregation, 
\yith  which  the  minister  or  elder  who  is  a  delegate  is  connected,  is  de- 
linquent in  contributing  to  the  delegates'  fund.  The  committee  admit 
that  there  may  be  injustice  and  unfairness  in  the  present  condition  of 
things  as  complained  of,  but  they  are  clearly  of  the  opinion  that  the 
course  recommended  by  the  resolutions  appended  to  the  memorial  w^ill 
not  aiFord  a  sufficient  remedy.  We  therefore  recommend  the  adoption 
of  the  following  i-esolution,  viz.: 

Resolved,  That  the  resolutions  of  the  memorialists  be  not  adopted. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  298,  187G. 

[Immediately  on  the  adoption  of  the  above,  on  motion,  "  the  whole 
subject  of  providing  a  delegate  fund  Avas  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Bills  and  Overtures."     The  committee  reported  the  following :] 

Resolved,  That  Presbyteries  be  requested  to  embrace  their  opinions 
on  the  subject  of  a  general  delegates'  fund  in  their  reports  to  the  next 
General  Assembly.     Vol.  IV,  p.  308,  1876. 

Ten  Presbyteries  have  reported  favorably  to  the  establishment  of  a 
delegate  fund  ;  thirty-four  have  reported  against  the  establishment  of 
such  a  fund  ;  eleven  have  either  not  acted,  or  have  failed  to  report  their 
action  on  this  subject. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  not  expedient,  at  present,  for  the  Assembly  to  at- 
tempt the  establishment  of  a  general  delegate  fund.    A^ol.  IV,  p.  436, 1877. 


140  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY, 

[On  the  memorial  of  the  Presbytery  of  Oregon  for  a  general  delegate 
fund,  the  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  plan  for  con- 
sideration by  the  next  Assembly,  and  to  publish  it  not  later  than  Jan. 
1,  1883.     Vol.  y,  p.  533,  1882.     No  action  appears  to  have  been  taken.] 

Resolved,  4.  In  reference  to  the  memorials  received  from  the  Presby- 
teries of  Oregon  and  Colorado,  that  a  fund  be  established  and  known  as 
the  "General  Delegate  Fund,"  and  that  this  Assembly  make  an  assess- 
ment of  ten  (10)  cents  per  capita  on  the  membership  of  the  whole 
Church,  and  that  when  Presbyteries  pay  the  assessment  in  full,  their 
delegates  be  reimbursed  in  full  for  their  expenses  incurred  in  attending 
Buch  meetings;  and  in  case  any  Pre.^bytery  shall  fail  to  pay  its  quota  in 
full,  the  delegates  from  such  Presbyteries  shall  be  reimbursed  in  like 
ratio;  that  this  Assembly  appoint  a  Treasurer  to  take  charge  of  said 
fund,  giving  him  such  insti'uctions  as  it  may  deem  necessary.  Vol.  VI, 
p.  36,  1884.     [No  treasurer  was  appointed.] 

[The  Presbytery  of  Colorado  asked  the  Assembly  to  "take  such 
action  as  may  be  necessary  to  carry  into  effect  the  action  of  1884."  The 
action  taken  is:] 

Resolved,  1.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly,  in 
his  yearly  estimates  for  the  Assembly's  fund,  to  provide  for  the  pay- 
ment of  the  actual  traveling  expenses  of  commissioners  to  the  Assembly, 
over  and  above  what  would  be  paid  by  an  assessment  of  ten  cents  per 
member  in  the  Presbyteries  from  which  they  are  delegates. 

2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly  to  pay  out 
of  the  Assembly's  fund,  all  actual  traveling  expenses  of  delegates,  which 
would  not  be  paid  by  assessment  of  ten  cents  per  member  in  Presbyteries 
represented,  and  not  otherwise  paid,  upon  the  recommendation  of  the 
committee  on  Delegates'  and  Commissioners'  Expenses. 

3.  The  Assembly  shall  appoint  a  standing  committee  of  one  on  Dele- 
gates' and  Commissioners'  Expenses.     Vol.  VI,  p.  431,  1886. 

[The  committee  on  Delegates'  Expenses  reported  that  there  were  no 
funds  in  the  treasury,  and  that  therefore  it  was  impossible  to  pay  any 
part  of  the  expenses  of  the  delegates  to  this  Assembly.  The  Assembly 
took  the  following  action  :] 

After  three  years'  experience  it  is  manifest  the  Church  at  large  is 
not  willing  to  maintain  such  a  fund. 

We  therefore  recommend  the  repeal  of  the  rule  of  1884,  establishing 
the  "  Delegates'  Fund,"  as  its  remaining  upon  the  books  of  the  Church 
is  productive  of  controversy  and'  disappointment.     Vol.  VI,  p.  686,  1887. 

XXXIII.  DIGEST  OF  THE  DELIVERANCES  OF  THE  GEN- 
ERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

That  however  desirable  it  may  be  to  have  a  digest  of  all  the  acts  of 
the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyterian,  the  Associate  Presbyterian  and 
the  United  Presbyterian  Churches,  the  pecuniary  condition  of  the 
church  will  not  warrant  us  to  engage  in  the  publication  of  such  a  work 
at  present ;  therefore,  •• 

Resolved,  That  it  be  postponed.     Vol.  I,  p.  223,  1861. 

[So  much  of  tlie  report  (on  the  Board  of  Publication)  as  refers  to  the 
codifying  of  the  enactments  of  the  various  General  Assemblies,  was  re- 


DIRECTORY    FOR    WORSHir.  141 

ferred  to  the  Board  of  Publication,  to  report  next  year.  Vol.  Ill,  p. 
544,  1873.     No  report  was  made.] 

[On  memorials  from  the  Presbyteries  of  First  New  York  and  Ten- 
nessee, tlie  General  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  of  three  to  prepare 
and  publish  a  digest  of  "tlie  principal  deliverances  of  the  Assemblies 
since  1858,  in  a  suitable  form  for  convenient  reference."]  Vol.  IV,  p. 
299,  187G. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the   next  Assembly,  Vol.  IV,  p.  493, 

1877,  when  the  following  action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  work  of  your  committee  to  prepare  a  digest  be 
approved. 

2.  That  it  be  referred  to  the  same  committee,  with  instruction  to 
make  such  revision  as  may  be  deemed  necessary,  and  to  incorporate  in 
it  such  items  from  the  proceedings  of  the  present  Assembly  and  that  of 

1878,  as  is  proper  to  complete  the  work  to  that  date. 

3.  Tliat  the  committee  be  instructed  to  publish  this  work,  and  with  it 
the  Book  of  Government  and  Discipline,  as  soon  after  the  above  date  as 
possible.     Vol.  IV,  p.  441,  1877. 

[The  digest  was  published  by  the  Board  of  Publication  in  accordance 
with  the  above  action.] 

Resolved,  6.  That  the  Board  of  Publication  be  directed  to  issue  a 
new  edition  of  the  "  Digest,"  bringing  it  up  to  date.  Vol.  VII,  p.  224, 
1889. 

[The  Board  asked  for  instructions,  and  the  Assembly  gave  the  follow- 
ing:] 

Resolved,  5.  That  the  Board  be  instructed  to  appoint  a  committee  to 
prepare  and  publish  a  new  edition  of  the  Digest  without  delay,  compris- 
ing all  the  information  in  as  condensed  a  form  as  will  be  consistent 
with  clearness  of  expression,  and  at  the  same  time  with  as  much  fullness 
as  mav  be  required,  in  its  judgment,  to  meet  the  aim  of  such  a  book. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  433,  1890. 

Resolved,  2.  Tliat  the  Board  be  directed  to  complete,  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble, the  new  edition  of  the  Digest.     Vol.  VII,  p.  G37,  1891. 

XXXIV.     DONALDSON'S  APPEAL. 

In  the  case  of  appeal  from  the  action  of  the  Synod  of  New^  York,  we 
find  the  papers  of  Air.  James  Donaldson  very  irregular;  therefore. 
Resolved,  That  the  case  be  dismissed.    'Vol.  VII,  p.  29,  1888. 

XXXV.     DIRECTORY  FOR  WORSHIP. 

Resolved,  Tliat  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  prepare  and 
publish  a  draft  of  a  Directory  for  "Worship,  public  and  family,  and  that 
this  draft  be  sent  in  overture  to  the  Presbyteries,  and  tliey  be  directed 
to  report  their  judgment  tiiereon,  with  sucli  amendments  as  they  may 
deem  expedient,  to  the  next  Assembly.     Vol.  I,  p.  119,  1860. 

[Such  a  araft  was  presented  to  the  next  Assembly,  when  the  follow- 
ing action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  That  the  Directory  for  Worship,  together  with  all  the 
reports  of  the  Presbyteries  thereon,  and  any  amendments  of  Presbyteries 


142  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

» 

or  individuals,  which  may  be  sent  in  to  tlieni  up  to  the  first  of  Novem- 
ber next,  be  committed  to  the  same  committee,  wlio  vsliall  mature  and 
publish  the  work  ;  that  it  is  hereby  sent  down  to  tlie  Presbyteries  in 
overture,  and  tliat  they  report  on  the  book,  aye  or  no,  to  the  next  Gen- 
eral Assembly.     Vol.  I,  p.  226,  18G1. 

[On  this  overture  twenty-lour  Presbyteries  reported,  but  only  eleven 
reported  favorably.      The  following  action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Directory  be  referred  to  a  select  committee, 
with  instructions  to  re-write  tiie  document. 

2.  That  to  tiiis  committee  be  referred  all  the  proposed  amendments, 
either  printed  or  in  the  reports  of  Presbyteries. 

3.  That  this  select  committee  be  required  to  report  to  the  next  Gen- 
eral Assembly.     Vol.  I,  p.  3J4,  18G2. 

[This  committee  not  being  ready  to  re{)ort,  tlie  following  action  was 
taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  tlie  Directory  for  Worship  be  di- 
rected to  report  to  the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly.  Vol.  I,  p.  499, 
18G3. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  when  the  following 
action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  That  the  draft  of  a  Directory  for  Worship  be,  in  general, 
approved,  and  that  it  be  hereby  overtured  to  Presbyteries  and  Sessions, 
■with  instructions  to  report  their  mind  thereon  to  the  next  Assembly, 
particularly  stating  whether  they  approve  of  it  so  far  as  to  be  willing  to 
adopt,  yea  or  nay.     Vol.  II,  p.  27,  1864. 

[Oathis  overture,  twenty-four  Presbyteries  reported  yeas.  111,  nays 
45.     The  following  action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  amendments  in  duplicate,  suggested  by  Pres- 
byteries, be  placed  in  tl)e  hands  of  the  committee  having  charge  of  the 
work  of  preparation  of  the  overture,  and  that  said  committee  be  directed 
to  take  action  on  these  recommendations,  and  submit  to  the  Presby- 
teries the  Directory  as  amended,  for  api)roval  or  disapproval. 

2.  That  said  committee  be  directed  to  publish  said  overture  that  it 
may  be  distributed  through  the  church  by  the  first  of  September. 

4.  That  Presbyteries  are  hereby  directed  to  report  to  the  next  Gen- 
eral Assembly  the  number  of  votes,  yea  or  nay,  on  said  overture.  Vol. 
II,  p.  160,  1865. 

[On  this  overture  thirty-two  Presbyteries  reported  the  following 
vote:  ayes,  299;  nays,  72.     The  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  draft  of  the  Directory  for  Worship  be  recommitted 
to  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  it,  with  instruction  to  re-write 
the  book,  with  reference  to  the  amendments  that  have  been  suggested 
by  the  Presbyteries  and  with  special  view  to  making  it  more  unique 
and  systematic ;  and  that  they  publish  the  result  of  their  labors  not 
later  than  September  1st,  1866,  and  that  the  new  draft  be,  and  hereby 
is  overtured  to  the  Presbyteries,  in  order  that  they  may  vote  aye  or  no 
upon  it,  and  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Vol.  II,  p.  295, 
1866. 

Resolved,  That  inasmuch  as  the  Directory  for  Worship,  overtured 
by  the  last  General  Assembly,  has  received  a  large  majority  of  the  votes 
of  the  church,  as  reported  to  the  Assembly,  it  is  hereby  declared  to  be 


EDUCATION,    HOARD    OF.  143 

of  authority  in  tlie  cliurch  until  another  shall  have  been  adopted.  Vol. 
II,  p.  301,  18GG. 

[On  account  of  some  dissatisfaction  witli  the  Directory,  especially 
with  the  article  on  instrumental  music,  the  followin^r  action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  1.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  with  instructions  to  re- 
write the  Directory  for  Worship  with  reference  to  the  amendments  sug- 
gested by  Presbyteries,  having  special  reference  to  greater  uniformity 
and  system  in  the  work,  and  tliat  they  publish  the  result  of  their  labors 
not  later  than  P'ebruary  1st,  18G8,  and  tliat  the  new  draft  be,  and  it 
hereby  is  overtured  to  the  Presbyteries  in  order  that  they  may  vote  aye 
or  nay  upon  it,  and  report  the  ayes  and  nays  to  the  next  General 
Assembly. 

2.  That  tlie  article  on  instrumental  music  in  tlie  present  Directory  for 
Worship  is  liereby  made  a  special  overture,  and  Presbyteries  are  directed 
to  vote  aye  or  nay  upon  it,  and  report  the  ayes  and  nays  to  the  next 
General  Assembly.     Vol.  II,  p.  408,  18G7. 

[On  this  overture  the  vote  stood:  Ayes,  229;  nays,  58  ;  when  the 
Directory  for  Worship  was  declared  by  the  Assembly  to  be  constitution- 
ally adopted.    Vol.  1I.[).  512,  18G8.    On  instrumental  music,see  p.  112.] 

[For  the  Directory  for  Worship,  see  Digest,  p.  50.] 

2.  Amendment  to  the  Directory  for  ^or^hvp.— Resolved,  2. 

That  this  Assembly  hereby  ratifies  the  decision  of  tlie  Presbyteries,  and 
declares  Sec.  5,  Art.  2,  Chap.  3,  of  the  Directory  for  Worship  [on  in- 
strumental music]  repealed.  Vol.  V,  p.  525,  1882.  [The  vote  on  the 
above  overture  was:  Ayes,  620^;  nays,  612^;  not  voting,  9.] 

XXXVI.     EDUCATION,  BOARD  OF. 
1.  Charter  of  the  Board  of  Education.— [Authorized  by  the 

General  Assembly,  Vol.  I,  p.  484,  1863,  Vol.  IV,  p.  22,  1874,  granted 
under  a  general  law  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  Nov.  1,  1876,  a^nd  ap- 
proved by  the  Assembly,  Vol.  IV,  p.  449,  1877.] 

I.  Petition  of  the  Board  for  Incorporatiox State  of  Illinois, 

Warren  County,  5s — We,  the  undersigned,  being  citizens  of  the  United 
States,  desiring  to  form  an  association  not  for  pecuniary  profit,  pursuant 
to  an  Act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Illinois,  entitled, 
"Ar  Act  concerning  corporations,""  approved  April  18th,  1?72,  do 
hereby  certify  that  t)ie  following  is  the  true  statement  of  the  name  or 
title  by  which  said  association  shall  be  known  in  law,  the  particular 
business  and  object  for  which  it  is  formed,  the  number  of  its  managers, 
and  the  names  of  the  same  selected  for  the  first  year  of  its  existence, 
viz. : 

1.  Name  or  Title — The  Board  of  Education  of  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church  of  North  America. 

II.  Particular  Business  and  Object.  1,  To  cherish  and  diffuse 
an  educational  spirit  throughout  the  church. 

2.  To  co-operate  with  the  Presbyteries,  Synods  and  General  As- 
sembly of  the  said  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America  in 
the  establishment  of  institutions  of  learning. 

3.  To  assist  in  the  education  of  pious  and  promising  young  men  in 
their  literary  and  theological  education  for  the  ministry. 


144  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

4.  To  concert  and  execute  such  measures  as  may  be  judged  proper 
for  increasing  the  funds  of  the  Board,  and  promoting  the  general  cause. 

III.  Number  of  Managers. — Five. 

IV.  Names  of  Managers  Selected  for  the  First  Year — 
John  Scott,  David  A.  Wallace,  W.  T.  Campbell,  Ed.  F.  Reid,  and  G. 
D.  Henderson.  [This  petition  was  acknowledged  by  Wm.  Marshall, 
Esq.,  notary  public  of  Warren  county,  State  of  Illinois,  October  31st, 
1876.] 

II.  Certificate  of  Incorporation  from  the  Secretary  of 
State  of  the  State  of  Illinois — State  of  Illinois,  Department  of 
State,  Geo.  H.  Harlow,  Secretary  of  State.  To  all  to  whom  these  Pres- 
ents shall  come,  greeting: — Whereas,  a  certificate,  duly  signed  and  ac- 
knowledged, having  been  filed  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State  on 
the  first  day  of  November,  A.  D.,  1876,  for  the  orgranization  of  the 
Board  of  Education  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North 
America,  under  and  in  accordance  with  tlie  provisions  of  "An  Act  con- 
cerning corporations,"  approved  April  18th,  1872,  and  in  force  July  1st, 
1872,  and  "An  Act  to  revise  the  law  in  relation  to  universities,  colleges, 
academies  and  other  institutions  of  learning,"  approved  March  24th, 
1874,  and  in  force  July  1st,  1874,  a  copy  of  which  certificate  is  hereto 
attached;  now,  tlierefore,  I,  George  H.  Harlow,  Secretary  of  State  of 
the  State  of  Illinois,  by  virtue  of  the  powers  and  duties  vested  in  me  by 
law,  do  hereby  certify  that  the  said  "The  Board  of  Education  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,"  is  a  legally  organized 
corporation  under  the  laws  of  this  State. 

In  testimony  whereof  I  hereby  set  my  hand  and  cause  to  be  affixed 
the  great  seal  of  State. 

Done  at  the  city  of  Springfield  this  first  day  of  November,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy-six,  and  of 
the  independence  of  the  United  States  the  one  hundred  and  first. 

George  H.  Harlow, 

Secretary  of  State. 

[The  foregoing  instruments  of  writing  were  recorded  in  the  office  of 
the  recorder  of  deeds  for  the  count}"^  of  Warren  and  State  of  Illinois,  on 
November  4th,  1876,  in  Vol.  61,  of  deeds,  page  565.] 

III.  Action  of  the  Board  •with  Reference  to  this  Act  of 
Incorporation Whereas,  the  United  Presbyterian  General  Assem- 
bly of  1874  directed  her  Boards,  which  had  not  already  been  incorpor- 
ated, to  become  incorporated,  under  the  laws  of  the  State  where  such 
Board  is  located,  and  whereas  members  of  this  Board  have  secured  its 
incorporation  under  the  laws  of  this  State;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  tlie  legal  document  of  incorporation  be  copied  into 
and  made  a  part  of  the  records  of  this  Board. 

2.  That  this  Board  thus  becoming  ojdy  a  body  corporate  or  politic, 
but  not  changed  in  its  relations  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  hereby  recognizes  as  binding 
on  it  the  rules  and  regulations  which  have  been  given  it  by  the  said 
General  Assembly  ;  also,  its  own  actions  and  obligations,  assumed  whilst 
in  a  non-corporate  state. 

2.  Constitution  of  the  Board  of  Education. — [A  constitution  for 
the  Board  of  Education  was  adopted,  Vol.  I,  p.  49,  1859,  but  it  was 


EDUCATION,    BOAKD    OF.  145 

■superseded  by  the  general  constitution  of  the  Boards,  and  the  following 
new  constitution  :] 

1.  This  Board  shall  be  styled  "The  Board  of  Education  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,"  and  siiall  be  located 
in  Monmouth,  Illinois. 

2.  It  shall  be  the  object  and  duty  of  tiiis  Board  to  cherish  and  diffuse 
an  educational  spirit  tliroughout  the  church  ;  to  co-operate  with  Presby- 
teries, and  Synods,  and  the  Assembly,  in  the  establishment  of  institu- 
tions of  learning  ;  and  to  assist  in  tiie  education  of  pious  and  [)romising 
young  men  for  the  ministry.  It  shall  have  power  to  devise  and  cany 
out  such  measures  as  may  be  proper  for  tlie  promotion  of  the  cause  en- 
trusted to  its  care.     Vol.  IV,  p.  2;j,  1874. 

3.  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Education. — [The  regulations 

of  the  Board  of  Education  were  approved  by  the  Ai^sembly,  Vol.  I,  p. 
■222,  1861,  and  publisiied.  Vol.  1,  p.  248,  ISGl,  and  Voll  II,  p.  145, 
1865.      They  are  as  follows:] 

Meetings  of  the  Board The  Board  holds  four  reaular  meetings 

annually,  viz.:  On  the  first  Tuesdays  of  August,  Novembei-,  February 
and  May.  Special  meetings  are  held  when  necessary.  The  place  of 
meeting  is  the  First  United  Presbyterian  Church,  Monmouth,  Illinois. 

Grants  of  Money — Pecuniary  aid  shall  be  granted  young  men 
only  in  accordance  with  the  following  princi|)les  : 

1.  All  api)lications  from  theological  students  made  at  any  meeting 
shall  be  first  acted  on,  and  then  applications  from  literary  students. 

2.  Testimonials  shall  certify  that  the  applicant  is  under  the  ciire  of 
some  Presbytery  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Chui'ch,  that  he  intends  to 
enter  the  ministry,  that  he  possesses  liopeful  piety,  that  his  talents  are 
such  as  to  qualify  iiim  for  usefulness  in  the  ministry,  and  that  he  needs 
the  sum  asked.  Such  testimonials  shall  be  given  b}'  the  order  of  the 
Presbytery  to  which  the  applicant  belongs,  and  be  signed  by  the  mod- 
erator and  clerk.  Under  extraordinary  circumstances,  testimonials  of 
three  members  of  the  Presbytery,  of  the  above  tenor,  may  be  accepted; 
but  such  testimonials  shall  in  all  cases  be  substituted  by  regular  Pres- 
byterial  testimonials  as  soon  as  practicable.  New  testimonials  shall  be 
furnished  every  year  that  aid  is  granted. 

3.  Grants  exceeding  one  hundred  dollars  per  annum  shall  not  be 
made  to  any  one  individual,  nor  be  continued  more  than  four  years,  be- 
ginning with  the  senioi'  year  in  college. 

4.  Grants  shall  be  due  and  payable  to  theological  students  in  three 
installments,  viz.:  One-third  on  the  first  of  September,  one-third  on  the 
first  of  December  and  one-third  on  the  first  of  March;  and  to  literary 
students  in  four  installments,  one-fourth  on  each  of  the  days  mentioned, 
and  one-fourth  on  the  first  of  June. 

5.  Beneficiaries  shall  give  obligations  of  the  following  tenor:  ''I  do 
agree  that  if  I  do  not  in  due  course  of  time  enter  the  ministry  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church,  or,  having  entered  it,  do  not  continue  in 
the  same,  the  sum  above  mentioned  shall  then  become  due  and  payable 
at  the  pleasure  of  the  Board,  with  interest  at  the  rate  of  six  per  cent, 
per  annum  from  date." 

6.  No  grant  shall  be  made  except  by  the  Board  at  a  regular  or  special 
•meeting.     The   regular  time   for  acting  on  applications   shall   be   the 

10 


146  DIGEST  OF  THE  ACTS  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY. 

August  meeting,  but  grants  may  be  made  at  any  regular  or  special  meet- 
ing duly  called. 

7.  While  in  all  ordinary  cases  the  Presbyteries  must,  in  the  very 
nature  of  the  case,  be  responsible  for  the  character  of  the  beneficiaries 
of  the  Board,  and  ^vhile  Presbyteries  are  urgently  solicited  to  be  careful 
to  recommend  only  such  young  men  as  have  the  prescribed  qualifica- 
tions; yet  the  Board  sliall  not  knowingly  furnish  aid  to  any  young  man 
who  lacks  the  [jrescribed  qualifications,  even  though  he  be  recommended 
by  a  Presbytei-y. 

In  all  ordinary  cases,  the  Board  should  require  its  beneficiaries  to  at- 
tend some  institution  of  learning,  instead  of  pursuing  their  studies  pri- 
vately; yet  the  assembly  judges  that  in  this  matter  something  should  be 
left  to  the  discretion  of  tlie  Board. 

Especial  attention  is  invited  to  the  following  directions: 

1.  Let  young  men  desiring  aid  make  application  directly  to  the  Pres- 
bytery for  a  certificate;  if  it  be  impracticable  to  lay  the  matter  before 
the  Presbytery  in  season,  let  a  certificate  be  obtained  from  tliree  mem- 
bers, and  then,  at  tlie  next  meeting  of  the  Presbytery,  let  a  regular 
certificate  be  obtained. 

2.  Let  the  certificate  be  forwarded  directly  to  the  corresponding  sec- 
retary of  the  Board,  accompanied  by  a  statement  of  the  following  facts: 
1.  The  name  in  full  of  the  beneficiary.  2.  His  post-office,  town,  county 
and  State.  3.  His  standing  as  a  student;  if  literary,  of  what  class;  if 
theological,  of  what  year.  4.  The  college  or  seminary  he  purposes  at- 
tending. 

3.  Let  the  applications  be  forwarded  in  time  to  be  laid  before  the 
Board  at  their  meeting  in  August,  if  possible. 

4.  Let  Presbyteries  be  careful  to  certify  all  that  is  required  by  the 
constitution  of  the  Board.  No  grants  can  be  made  without  certificates. 
Applications  made  in  regular  form  to  the  Board  will,  in  all  cases,  re- 
ceive prompt  attention.  Many  vexatious  and  unnecessary  delays  grow 
out  of  inattention  to  the  regulations  of  the  Assembly,  which  the  Board 
cannot  disregard. 

5.  Presbyteries  should  recommend  no  one  as  a  beneficiary  who  does 
not  need  and  deserve  assistance.     Vol.  II,  p.  145,  1865. 

[These  regulations  were  amended  as  follows:] 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  third  rule  adopted  by  the  General  Assembly  of 
1861  be  changed  so  as  to  read  thus:  "The  maximum  of  contributions 
to  any  one  student  be  $1,000,  and  that  it  be  left  to  the  Presbytery  and 
the  Board  to  determine  during  what  time  this  money  shall  be  expended, 
and  that  contributions  to  any  one  student  for  one  year  shall  not  exceed 
$200."     Vol.  II,  p.  145,  1865. 

Resolved,  3.  That  Articles  iii  and  iv  of  the  By-Laws,  as  amended  by 
the  Board,  be  published  with  the  minutes  of  this  Assembly. 

Article  hi — Grants  of   Money 1.  Other  things  being  equal, 

applications  in  behalf  of  students  shall  have  preference  according  to 
their  advancement  in  their  course  of  study. 

2.  The  General  Assembly  has  ordered  the  use  of  three  series  of  ques- 
tions, viz.:  Tho  first  to  be  answered  by  the  Presbytery  to  which  the 
applicant  belongs;  the  second  by  his  instructors,  literary  or  theological; 
and  the  third  by  himself.     The  one  answered  by  the  applicant  should 


EDUCATION,   BOARD    OF.  ]  47 

be  sent  to  his  Presbytery  and  retained  by  it ;  the  other  two  should  Ije 
sent  to  the  secretary  of  the  Board. 

3.  When  a  young  man  who  has  ah'eady  been  received  as  a  bene- 
ficiary is  recommended  by  his  Presbyteiy  for  renewed  assistance,  an 
ofRcial  statement  to  the  effect,  that  the  applicant  is  recommended  as 
before  will  be  sufficient.  This  shall  be  done  every  year  that  aid  is 
granted. 

4.  The  Assembly  forbids  that  grants  exceeding  two  hundred  dollars 
per  annum  shall  be  made  to  any  one  individual.  Owing  to  scarcity  of 
funds,  the  Boai'd  does  not,  under  any  ordinary  circumstances,  grant 
more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  j>er  annum,  except  that  seniors 
in  colleges  may  receive  twenty-five  dollars  extra,  to  be  paid  in  connec- 
tion with  the  last  installment.  No  one  shall  receive  more  than  one 
thousand  dollars  in  tlie  aggregate. 

5.  Grants  shall  be  due  and  payable  to  theological  students,  &c.  See 
above,  rule  4. 

G.  Beneficiaries  shall  give  obligations  of  the  following  tenor:  "I 
have  received  from  the  Board  of  Education  of  the  United  Presbyterian 

Church  of  North  America dollars;  and  I  hereby  agree,  that  if  I 

do  not  in  due  course  of  time  enter  the  ministry  of  the  United  Presby- 
terian Church,  or  do  at  any  time  voluntarily  abandon  the  same,  the  sum 
above  mentioned  shall  then  become  due  and  payable  at  the  pleasure  of 
the  Board,  with  interest  at  the  rate  of  six  per  cent,  per  annum  from 
date." 

7.  While  in  all  ordinary  cases  the  Presbyteries  must  in  the  very 
nature  of  the  case,  &c.     See  above,  rule  7. 

AiiTiCLE  IV — Ok  Warrants,  Notes,  &c 1.  At  each  quarterly 

meeting,  a  warrant  of  the  treasurer,  signed  by  the  president  and  secre- 
tary, authorizing  him  to  pay  to  parties  therein  named,  the  sums  set  op- 
posite to  their  names,  shall  be  made  out. 

2.  The  treasurer  shall  pay  the  sums  named  in  the  warrants,  a3 
therein  directed,  and  take  notes  from  beneficiaries,  and  receipts  from 
all  other  persons  to  whom  money  may  be  paid.  The  appropriations 
to  beneficiaries,  together  with  notes  ready  for  signature,  shall  be  re- 
mitted to  the  presiding  officers  of  the  institutions  at  which  they  may  be 
in  attendance,  who  are  expected  to  pay  out  the  same,  secure  the  signa- 
tures of  beneficiaries  to  the  notes,  and  return  the  same  to  the  treas- 
urer without  unnecessary  delay.  The  warrants  of  the  Board,  to- 
gether with  the  receipts  and  notes,  shall  constitute  the  vouchers  of  the 
treasurer. 

3.  The  treasurer  shall  submit  to  the  Board,  at  each  quarterly  meet- 
ing, a  statement  of  the  receipts  from  the  several  Presbyteries  during 
the  quarter  immediately  preceding,  and  of  the  balance  in  tlie  treasury, 
subject  to  the  order  of  the  Board. 

4.  At  each  May  meeting,  an  auditing  committee  shall  be  appointed, 
who  shall  serve  for  one  year.  The  treasuj'er,  at  the  close  of  each  quar- 
ter, counting  from  May  first,  shall  submit  his  books  and  vouchers 
for  the  quarter  then  closing,  to  the  auditing  committee,  who  shall 
examine  and  report  on  the  same  to  the  Board  at  its  next  quarterly 
meeting. 

5.  At  the  close  of  the  financial  year,  the  treasurer  shall  submit  his  an- 


148  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

uual  report  to  the  General  Assembly  to  the  same  committee,  v/ho  shall 
return  the  same  with  their  certificate  to  the  Board  at  its  May  meeting. 

6.  The  treasurer  shall  publish,  at  the  close  of  each  quarter,  in  tlie 
[papers  of  the  churcli].  a  detailed  statement  of  his  receipts  during  the 
quarter  preceding.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  540,  1873. 

[These  Regulations  were  again  amended  as  follows  :] 

7.  That  every  United  Presbyterian  theological  student,  in  actual  at- 
tendance at  eitlier  of  our  seminaries,  shall  receive  $100  per  year,  with- 
out making  formal  application  to  liis  Presbytery,  but  shall  be  required 
to  conform  to  the  rule  touciiing  the  use  of  tobacco,  and  to  refund  the 
money  so  received,  if  lie  fail  to  enter  and  remain  in  the  ministry  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church.      Vol.  VII,  ]).  28,  1888. 

[The  Board  reported  that  the  funds  at  command  would  not  be  suffi- 
cient for  tiie  application  of  the  above  rule,  and  the  Assembly  adopted 
the  following  :] 

1.  That  aid  be  given  only  to  those  who  are  in  actual  need  of  assist- 
ance, and  that  tiiis  aid  be  given  to  theological  students,  and  to  literary 
students  of  the  Senior  year  who  are  intending  to  enter  the  ministry. 

2.  Students  receiving  aid  must  be  taken  under  tlie  carp  of  Presbytery, 
and  be  in  attendance  at  one  of  our  denominational  institutions. 

3.  The  regular  appropriation  of  the  Assembly  shall  not  exceed  $100, 
but  the  Board  may  have  liberty  of  granting  more,  in  exceptional  cases. 

4.  An  application  for  aid  may  be  made  by  any  student,  eitlier 
through  the  Presbytery  to  which  lie  belongs,  or  directly  to  the  Board, 
which  shall  have  power  to  act  on  all  applications. 

5.  The  regulations  adopted  by  the  Assembly  must  be  observed  by 
the  students  as  a  condition  of  receiving  assistance. 

We  would  recommend  the  following  form  of  application  : 

I.  Name  and  address  of  student. 

II.  Name  of  Presbytery. 

III.  Theological  student — The  college  of  which  you  are  a  graduate. 

Literary  student — 1  am  a  member  of  the  Senior  class  of ■ 

college. 

IV.  What  seminary  do  you  expect  to  attend  during  the  year? 

V.  What  amount  will  "be  necessary  to  meet  your  actual  expenses? 

VI.  Do  you  promise  to  be  faithful  in  maintaining  the  principles  pro- 
fessed by  the  United  Presbyterian  Church? 

VII.  Will  you  obey  the  requirement  o1  the  General  Assembly  that 
♦'No  student  "addicted  to  the  use  of  tobacco,  in  any  form,  shall  be 
granted  aid  by  this  Board  ?" 

VIII.  Do  you  agree  to  refund  the  money  received  if  you  fail  to  enter, 
or  should  at  any  time  voluntarily  forsake  the  ministry  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church? 

Signed 

Date 

This  is  to  certify  that  Mr. was  on  the day 

of 18 — received  as  a  student  of  theology  (or,  literary  student 

of  the  Senior  year)  by  the  Presbytery  of -. 

This  certificate  to  be  signed  by  the  clerk  of  presbytery  or  the  pastor 
of  the  congregation  of  which  the  student  is  a  member.  Vol.  VII,  pp. 
229,  281,  1889. 


EDUCATIOY,   BOARD    OF.  140 

[The  General  Assembly,  Vol.  "VII,  p.  432,  1889,  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  devise  a  plan  whereby  ample  aid  may  be  furnished  each 
student  who  may  need  help  to  prosecute  his  theological  education  in  our 
own  seminaries  without  encumbrance  of  debt  at  its  completion.  The 
committee  submitted  to  the  next  Assembly  the  following  report,  which 
was  adopted :] 

1.  That  tlie  regular  appropriation  of  the  Assembly  shall  not  exceed 
fifty  dollars  to  licensed  students  of  tlie  third  year;  one  hundred  dollars 
to  unlicensed  seniors  and  to  students  of  the  second  year.  Students  of 
the  first  year  may  receive  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars. 

2.  If  at  any  time  tlie  resources  of  the  Board  are  not  sufficient  to  pay 
the  full  appropriation  to  all  students,  the  chief  reduction  is  to  be  in  the 
amount  i)aid  to  the  unlicensed  seniors,  and  students  of  the  second  year. 

3.  Tliat  the  rule  now  governing  the  Board,  viz.:  "An  application  for 
aid  may  be  made  by  any  student,  either  through  the  Presbytery  to 
which  he  belongs,  or  directly  to  the  Board,  which  shall  have  ])ower  to 
act  on  all  applications,  when  certified  by  tlie  Clerk  of  Presbytery,  or 
the  pastor  of  the  congregation  of  which  the  student  is  a  member;"  be  so 
amended  as  to  read,  ''Aid  may  be  secured  on  recommendation  of  the 
Presbytery  to  which  the  student  belongs,  or  of  the  faculty  of  the  sem- 
inary which  he  is  attending,  in  connection  with,  and  when  certified  by, 
the  Clerk  of  iiis  Presbytery."     Vol.  VII,  pp.  G23,  731,  1891. 

In  order  that  the  greatest  good  may  be  done  to  the  greatest  number 
of  young  men,  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  direct  the  Board  of  Education,  when 
granting  aid  to  students,  to  take  into  account  the  amount  received  by 
students  from  the  other  funds,  so  that  no  student  shall  receive  aid  in 
excess  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  each  year.  Vol.  VII,  p.  653, 
1891. 

4.  Aid  to  Literary  Students.— [The  Assembly,  Vol.  V,  p.  39, 
1879,  reaffirmed  the  action  of  1875  limiting  the  beneficiaries  of  the 
Board  to  theological  students.  The  Board  was  authorized  to  grant  aid 
to  literary  students  of  the  senior  year,  to  an  amount  not  exceeding  one 
hundred  dollars.     Vol.  VI,  p.  SO,'  1884.] 

5.  That  this  General  Assembly  urge  Presbyteries,  recommending 
students  to  the  Board,  not  to  present  the  names  of  students,  who  are 
undergraduates  and  j)ersons  not  intending  to  graduate,  unless  the  cases 
are  rarely  exceptional.     Vol.  VI,  p.  GG3,  1887. 

4.  Literary  students  of  the  Junior  and  Senior  years,  intending  to  enter 
the  ministry  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  when  properly  certi- 
fied as  needing  aid,  may  be  granted  a  sum  not  exceeding  one  hundred 
dollars,  so  soon  as  the  proceeds  of  the  Speers  estate  shall  have  been  dis- 
tributed.    Vol.  VII,  p.  434,  1890. 

[A  memorial  from  the  Presbytery  of  College  Springs,  asked  the 
General  Assembly  "to  direct  the  Board  of  Education  under  its  rules  to 
pay  the  tuition  of  literary  students  in  the  collegiate  department,  who  are 
intending  to  enter  the  ministry,  and  to  grant  no  other  aid  to  literary 
students."] 

Resolved,  That  aid  be  granted  to  all  students  who  have  passed  the 
freshman  class,  as  the  Board  may  be  able.      Vol.  VII,  p.  652,  1891. 

5.  Aid  in  Proportion  to  Attendance. — Resolved,  3.  That  the 


].')()  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

aiKOunt  paid  to  eacli  student  shall  be  proportionate  to  the  time  of  his 
actual  attendance  at  the  Seminary  during  the  session.  Vol.  Y,  p.  357, 
1881. 

6.  Beneficiaries  may  not  use  Tobacco.— i?eso/wc?,  2  That  no 

student  addicted  to  the  use  of  tobacco  in  any  form  shall  be  granted  aid 
by  this  Board.     Vol.  V,  p.  39,  1879. 

2.  That  the  refusal  of  tlie  Board  to  aid  young  men  preparing  for  the 
holv  ministry,  who  are  known  to  violate  their  solemn  jjledges  by  the  use 
of  tobacco,  is  especially  worthy  of  endorsement.     Vol.  VI,  p.  225,  1885. 

4.  That  the  Board  be  directed  to  continue  the  rule  that  beneficiaries 
shall  not  use  tobacco.     Vol.  VI,  p.  GG3,  1887. 

7.  Faculties  to  Report  Observance  of  Regulations.— ^eso^t'ei, 

6.  That  a  rule  be  adopted,  asking  tlie  faculty  of  tlie  seminary  or  college 
to  report  to  the  Board,  before  each  payment,  respecting  the  observance 
of  the  regulations  adopted  by  the  Assembly  for  the  government  of  stu- 
dents receiving  aid.      Vol.  VII,  p.  28,  1888. 

8.  Married  Beneficiaries. — Resolved,  That  in  case  a  beneficiary 
enters  the  marriMge  relation,  aid  may  be  continued  or  not,  at  the  discre- 
tion of  the  Board.     Vol.  III.  p.  148,  1870. 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  be  directed  to  make  no  discrimination  among 
students  on  account  ol'  their  marital  relations,  unless  these  increase  the 
demands  upon  tin'  Boai'd.      Vol.  III.  p.  418.  1872. 

9.  Competitive  Examination  of  Beneficiaries. — Resolved,  Tliat 

to  secni-e  the  end  ?c)u^lit.  llie  Boai'd  is  directed  to  provide  and  carry 
into  effect,  at  as  eaily  a  period  as  possible,  a  scheme  of  competitive  ex- 
aminations.    Vol.'IA',  p.  45.  1874. 

10.  Beneficiaries  to  be  Reported. — Resolved,  That  the  Board  be 
directed  to  report  every  year  to  the  General  Assembly  the  names  of  the 
students  under  their  care,  for  the  information  of  the  Assembly  but  not 
to  be  published  in  the  minutes.      Vol.  IV,  ]i.  317,  1876. 

1 1.  Presbyteries  to  Exercise  Care  of  Young"  Men. — Resolved, 

That  the  Presbyteries  he  re(pi<'Sted  to  give  s])ecia!  care  to  the  training 
of  young  men  under  tijeir  care.      Vol.  V,  p.  735,  1883. 

12.  Aid  to  Literary  Institutions.  [The  Board  of  Education  was 
instructed  to  report  to  the  Assembly  what  grants  of  funds  may,  and 
ought  to,  be  made  from  the  funds  under  its  control  in  aid  of  academical 
institutions.     Vol.  V,  p.  739,  1883. 

Tlie  following  regulations  uere  adopted:] 

The  Board  shall  expend  these  funds  according  to  the  following  rules 
and  regulations: 

{a)  Aid  siiall  be  granted  to  academies,  only  so  far  as  the  supplement- 
ing of  salaries  of  teachers  is  concerned,  the  rooms  and  grounds  being  fur- 
nished by  the  community  in  which  the  academy  receiving  aid  is  situated. 

(/>)  For  the  present,  the  Board  shall  not  grant  more  than  five  hun- 
dred dollars  in  one  year  to  any  academy. 

{c)  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Board  to  recommend,  and,  as  far  as 
possil)le,  secure  the  appointment  of  competent  teachers. 

(c?)  The  Bo;ird  shall  report  annually  to  tlie  Assembly  all  its  proceed- 
ings in  the  way  of  aiding  academies,  specifying  the  academies  aided, 
the  amount  granted  to  each,  the  number  of  students  in  attendance,  and 
other  details. 


KDLCATION,   BOARD    OF.  151 

(e)  All  the  proceedings  of  the  Board  in  tliis  particular  shall  be  sub- 
ject to  the  control  of  tiie  Assembly.     Vol.  VI,  p.  30,  1884. 

1.  The  academies  receiving  aid  from  the  Board  must  be  incorporated 
institutions  under  the  management  of  a  board  of  trustees,  in  distinction 
from  a  private  or  individual  enterprise. 

2.  That  the  academy  should  own  and  occupy,  or  give  assurance  to  the 
Board  of  the  speedy  erection  of  buildings,  suited  to  the  purposes  of  the 
school. 

3.  Institutions  receiving  aid  must  be  under  the  control  of  a  board  of 
trustees  or  managers,  the  majority  of  whom  shall  be  in  connection  with 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 

4.  Report  as  to  the  work  of  tiie  school,  number  of  teachers  and  pupils 
and  general  management,  should  be  made  to  the  Board  of  Education 
annually,  not  later  tiian  the  2Utli  of  April.     Vol.  VI,  p.  662,  1887. 

13.  Aid  to  Colleges  in  Exceptional  Cases.— [The  Assembly 

made  a  grant  of  live  liundn-d  dollars  to  Tarkio  Ctdlege  for  one  year, 
Vol.  VI,  p.  22G,  1885,  and  a  similar  grant  to  Cooper  Memorial  Col- 
lege, in  bothcase'?  "with  tlie  distinct  understanding  that  this  is  not  to 
be  regarded  as  establishing  a  precedent."      Vol.  Vll,  p.  229,  1889.] 

14.  Academies  to  Seek  Endowment.— ^eso^ie^i,  7.  That  we  re- 
commend academies  to  seek  endowment,  and  thereby  ensure  a  prolonged 
as  well  as  useful  existence.      Vol.  VI,  p.  663,  1887.' 

15.  Educational  Institutions  to  Report  to  the  Board.— i?e- 

solved,  5.  That  our  seminaries,  collf  cres  and  academies  be  directed  to  re- 
port to  the  Assembly,  througli  the  Board  of  Education,  the  number  of 
instructors,  number  of  students,  the  work  and  needs  of  the  institution, 
the  contributions  received  from  the  Church,  and  other  matters  pertain- 
ing to  the  educational  work  of  the  Churcli.     Vol.  VII,  p.  28,  1888. 

[Memorials  were  presented  to  tiie  Assembly  from  the  Boards  of 
Trustees  of  Monmouth  and  Westminster  Colleges  asking  to  report  di- 
rectly to  the  Assembly.  A  paper  granting  the  request  and  authorizing 
representatives  of  these  colleges  to  appear  in  the  Assembly  and  be  heard 
in  their  behalf,  was  laid  on  tlie  table  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly.  Vol.  VII,  pp.  203,  227,  1889.  The  institutions  asked 
and  obtained  leave  to  witlulraw  their  memorial.  Vol.  VII,  p.  409, 
1890.] 

16.  National  Aid  for  Education. — The  officers  of  the  Assembly 
were  directed  to  sign  and  forward  in  tlie  name  of  the  Assembly,  the  fol- 
lowing petition  to  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  : 

To  t/te  Honorable  Senate  of  (he  United  States :  We,  the  undersigned 
citizens  of  the  United  States,  profoundly  concerned  for  the  passage  of 
the  Blair  Educational  Bill,  do  respectfully  entreat  your  honorable  body 
to  reconsider  and  enact  it  into  a  law.      Vol.  VII,  p.  410,  1890. 

17.  Day  of  Prayer  for  Colleges. — [For  mnny  years  the  Assem- 
bly designated  a  day  of  prayer  for  colleges.] 

Resolved,  That  the  last  Wednesday  of  January,  1892,  and  the  same 
day  of  each  succeeding  year,  until  otherwise  ordered,  be  set  apart  as 
the  Day  of  Prayer  for  Colleges.     Vol.  VII,  p.  656,  1891. 


152  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY, 

XXXVII.     ELECTIVE  FRANCHISE. 

1.  Pastors  Should   Instruct  Their   Congregations  in  This 

Duty. — Resolved.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  the  pastor  to  instruct  the  peo- 
ple ot  his  charge,  in  rehition  to  the  responsibility  which  rests  upon  them 
in  tlie  exercise  of  tlie  elective  franchise,  as  well  as  with  regard  to  all 
other  obligations  which  rest  upon  them  as  Christians  and  as  citizens,  as 
circumstances  mnv  require.      Vol.  I,  p.  480.  1803. 

2.  The  Elective  Franchise  Should  be  Extended  to  the  Col- 
ored Race. —  1.  As  this  Ciiurch  has  deemed  it  a  part  of  hermission  in 
times  past  to  "  open  her  mouth  for  the  dumb."  she  should  labor  still  to 
set  the  black  man  right  in  view  of  all  his  wrongs. 

2.  That  class  legislation  is  a  curse. to  any  country,  and  we  condemn 
as  anti-Christian  the  silly  notion  that  the  circumstance  of  color  should,. 
to  any  extent  or  in  any  sense,  limit  or  enlarge  the  apj)lication  of  the 
sacred  principles  of  human  liberty. 

3.  While  we  deem  it  alike  indispensable  to  the  safety  and  happiness 
both  of  blacks  and  whites  to  fully  enfranchise  the  colored  race,  espec- 
ially in  view  of  his  loyalty  and  acts  of  valor  done  in  our  defence,  it  be- 
comes a  claim  of  clearest  moral  justice. 

4.  From  what  we  have  seen  and  known  of  prejudice  against  the  col- 
ored race,  we  have  reason  to  expect  to  this  specific  point  of  reformation 
deteimined  and  persevering  opposition;  and  hence  that  our  people  be 
carefully  warned  to  take  no  part  in  such  opposition,  "lest  haply  they  be 
found  figiiting  against  God." 

5.  Believing  that  the  circumstances  of  our  country  are  such  as  are 
contemplated  in  our  constitution,  which  is  as  follows,  Chap.  XXXI, 
Sec.  5  :  *'  Synods  and  councils  are  to  handle  or  conclude  nothing  but 
that  which  is  ecclesiastical,  and  are  not  to  intermeddle  with  civil 
afiairs,  which  concern  the  commonwealth,  unless  by  way  of  humble  pe- 
tition, in  cases  extraordinary,"  we  recommend  the  people  under  our 
care  to  petition  Congress  for  such  legislation  as  shall  secure,  according 
to  the  preceding  declarations,  the  rights  of  the  colored  race.  Vol.  II,  p. 
166,  1805.  [A  dissent,  with  reasons,  was  entered  against  this  action 
of  the  Assembly.     Vol.  II,  p.  107,  1805.] 

XXVIII.     EVANGELICAL  ALLIANCE. 
The  World's  Evangelical  Alliance. — Resolved,  That  while  the 

Divine  direction  and  blessing  are  devoutly  desired  for  the  Alliance, 
in  common  with  every  movement  that  has  for  its  end  the  promotion  of 
the  well-being  of  men  and  the  glory  of  God  ;  yet  the  General  As- 
sembly does  not  deem  it  expedient  or  important  that  it  make  any 
appointment  of  delegates  or  representatives  to  attend  it.  Vol.  Ill,  p. 
525,  1873. 

XXXIX.  EVANGELISTS. 
1.  Unlicensed    Students  as  Evangelists. — Resolved,  5.    That 

.  .  .  our  Presbyteries  be  recommended  to  fully  employ  their  un- 
licensed theological  students  in  evangelistic  work  during  their  vaca- 
tions.    Vol.  VII,  p.  460,  1890. 


EVANS'    APPEAL.  •  153 

2.  Institute  for  Training  Evangelists.— [The  General  Assembly 

— 1890 — appointed  a  committee  on  tlie  subject  of  training  members  of 
the  Church  for  evangelistic  labor:] 

The  committee  reported ;  and  the  Assembly  adopted  the  following 
plan  for  evangelistic  training: 

1.  That  a  Bible  Institute  be  held  in  some  central  locality  for  the 
benefit  of  such  members  of  our  Church  as  may  desire  to  fit  themselves 
for  more  effective  Christian  labor  than  they  are  at  present  able  to  ac- 
complish. 

2.  That  such  Institute  be  held  annually  in  the  month  of  July  or 
August,  for  a  term  of  not  less  than  two  nor  more  tlian  four  weeks. 

3.  That  should  such  Institute  prove  successful,  it  be  removed  from 
year  to  year  to  different  sections  of  the  Church,  that  the  largest  number 
may  enjoy  its  benefits;  or  that  two  or  more  Institutes  be  held  in  the 
same  year. 

4.  That  the  course  of  instruction  embrace  the  following  principal 
topics:  (1)  The  English  Bible;  (2)  The  Plan  of  Salvation";  (3)  The 
Distinctive  Principles  of  our  Church  ;  (4)  Methods  of  Ciiristian  Work. 

5.  That  a  committee  of  three  be  apjiointed  wlio  shall  have  charge  of 
this  matter,  designate  the  place  of  holding  the  Institute,  select  the 
teachers,  and  announce  the  opening  of  the  term  of  study.  Vol.  VII,  p. 
629,  1891. 

3.  Training  in  the  Seminaries  for  Evangelistic  Work.— The 

General  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  "to  consider  plans  lor  secur- 
ing additional  training  of  students  in  the  seminaries  lor  evangelistic 
■work,  and  report  upon  the  same  to  the  Synods  having  oversightof  the 
seminaries  and  to  the  next  General  Assembly."  Vol.  VII,  n.  653, 
1891.  '  1  , 

XL.     EVANS'   APPEAL. 

[The  appeal  of  Rev.  J.  C.  Evans  from  the  decision  of  a  commission 
of  the  Synod  of  Iowa,  was  referred  to  a  commission  consisting  of  eight 
ministers  and  seven  elders,  to  meet  at  Monmouth,  111.,  on  the  second 
Tuesday  of  October,  1883,  with  full  power  to  take  up  and  try  the  case, 
and  instructed  to  submit  a  full  record  of  its  ))roceedings  and  findings  to 
the  next  General  Assembly.]     Vol.  V,  p.  721,  1883. 

In  the  matter  of  the  appeal  of  Rev.  J.  C.  Evans  vs.  The  Synod  of 
Iowa. 

In  the  above  entitled  cause  the  Committee  on  Judiciary  respectfully 
report : 

That  on  June  21st.  1881,  Julia  E.  J.  Evans  filed  a  Libel  with  the 
Presbytery  of  Omaha,  accusing  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Evans  of  dishonesty  j 
that  on  March  29th,  1882,  the  Presbytery  of  Omaha  declared  the 
charges  contained  in  said  Libel  inadmissible;  that  thereafter  the  com- 
plainant, Julia  E.  J.  EvariS,  prosecuted  an  appeal  to  the  Synod  of 
Iowa;  that  said  Synod  appointed  a  commission  to  try  and  issue  the 
case  ;  that  said  commission  of  the  Synod  of  Iowa,  at  a  meeting  thereof 
in  Indianola,  Iowa,  on  November  14,  1882,  found  tlie  said  the  Rev.  J. 
C.  Evans  guilty  of  the  1st,  2d,  3d  and  4lh  specifications  in  said  Libel, 
and  directed  the  "  Presbytery  of  Omaha  to  suspend  the  said  Rev.  J.  C. 
Evans  from  the  Gospel  Ministry  and  from  the  sealing  ordinances  of  the 


]o4  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Cliurcli  ;"  tliat  thereafter  tlie  said  the  Rev.  J.  C.  Evans  appealed  from 
the  finding  of  said  commission  to  tlie  General  Assembly;  that  the 
Twenty-fifth  General  Assembly  appointed  a  commission  to  try  and  issue 
the  case. 

We  further  report  that  said  commission  appointed  by  the  Twentvfifth 
General  Assembly  conducted  all  its  proceedings  according  to  the  rules 
of  this  court  ;  and  that  said  commission  did  not  exceed  its  powers,  and 
in  October,  1883,  adjudged  "that  the  appeal  be  nut  sustained." 

We  therefore  recommend  that  the  judgment  of  said  commission  be 
confirmed,  and  that  the  records  of  its  proceedings  b(i  entered  upon  and 
become  part  of  the  records  of  this  court,  and  that  the  Presbytery  of 
Omaha  be  directed  to  execute  the  judgment  of  the  commission  of  the 
Synod  of  Iowa,  upon  receipt  of  a  certified  copy  of  the  proceedings  of 
this  court  in  the  cause.  A'ol.  VI,  p.  1.3,  1881.  [For  proceedings  of 
the  above  commission,  see  Vol.  VI,  p.  44,  1884.] 

XLI.     FAMILY    AVORSHir  AND  INSTRUCTION. 

Resolved,  5.  That  our  people  be  exhorted  to  the  regular  observance 
of  praise  in  family  worsliip,  and  to  increased  regard  for  the  sanctity  of 
the  Lord's  day  and  to  family  instruction.     Vol.  V,  p.  537,  1882. 

XLII.     FINANCE. 

1.  Standing  Committee  on  Finance. — See  Rules  of  Order. 

Resolved,  C).  Tiiat  tlie  following  be  adopted  as  a  Standing  Rule  : 
All  resolutions  offered  in  tlie  General  Assemlily,  and  all  propositions 
coming  from  others  than  Boards  and  Standing  Committees,  appropriat- 
ing money,  shall  first  be  referred  to  the  Committee  of  Finance,  to  be 
examined,  and  their  judgment  reported  before  final  action.  Vol.  V,  p. 
358,  1881. 

2.  Permanent   Committee   on   Finance. — [The  Committee  on 

Benevolence   rt'|)orteil  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  appoint  annually  a  Permanent  Com- 
mittee on  Finance  ;  said  committee  to  be  understood  to  have  advisory, 
and  not  executive  powers;  and  request  said  committee  to  procure,  or 
prepare,  and  have  published,  as  soon  as  j^ossible,  and  in  such  form  as 
may  be  most  instructive,  an  appeal  on  behalf  of  systematic  beneficence; 
and  it  shall  he  the  duty  of  said  Finance  Committee  to  report  to  the  As- 
sembly from  time  to  time,  such  suggestions  as  may  tend  to  perfect  and 
develop  our  financial  strength.     Vol.  V,  p.  200,  1880. 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly  appoint  a  Permanent  Committee  on 
Finance,  to  consist  of  five  persons,  one,  the  cliairman,  to  continue  for 
five  years,  one  for  four  years,  one  for  three  years,  one  for  two  years, 
and  the  other  for  one  year  ;  and  that  hereafter  one  shall  be  appointed 
each  year  to  fill  the  vacancy  made  by  the  time  of  one  expiring. 

2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  committee  to  keep  in  close  correspond- 
ence with  the  Secretaries  of  the  Boards  of  our  Church,  so  as  to  keep 
themselves  thoroughly  informed  in  regard  to  the  operations,  wants  and 
necessities  of  each  Board.  Vol.  V,  p.  302.  1881.  [The  committee 
was  enlarged  to  consist  of  seven  members.  Vol.  V,  p.  540,  1882.]  See 
Assembly  Monthly. 


FINANCIAL    AGENTS.  15.J 

[Upon  the  transfer  of  the  Assembly  Monthly  to  the  Board  of  Publica- 
tion, the  committee  was  discliarged  with  thanks  "for  the  faithful  man- 
ner in  which  their  duties  have  been  performed."  Vol.  VI,  p.  37, 
1884.J 

3.  A  Better  System  of  Finance. — [Sundry  memorials  were  pre- 
sented to  the  Assembly,  asking  i'or  a  better  system  of  finance.  A  com- 
mittee was  appointed  to  prepare  a  system,  with  a  view  to  the  correction, 
or  at  least  the  mitigation,  of  the  evils  dejilored  ;  to  publish  a  prelim- 
inary report  for  the  consideration  of  the  Presbyteries,  and,  in  the  light 
of  their  suggestions,  to  prepare  a  final  report  for  the  Assemblv.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  045';  1891.] 

XLIII.  FINANCIAL  AGENTS. 

1.  Election  of  Financial  Agents. — Resolved,  ;>.  That  the  dele- 
gates from  each  Presbytery  shall  nominate,  and  tlie  Assembly  annually 
appoint,  a  membei-  of  each  Presbvtery  financial  agent  for  the  same. 
Vol.  I,  p.  117,  18G(>. 

Resolved.  That  the  clerks  of  Presbyteries  be  instructed  to  furnish  the 
principal  clerk,  previously  to  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  with  a  list  of 
nominations  for  financial  agents  and  superintendents  of  missions,  with 
their  post-office  address,  and  that  the  clerk  be  instructed  to  report  this 
list  to  the  General  Assembly  foi-  confirmation.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  28,  1869. 

2.  Duties  of  Financial  Agents. — Resolved,  5.  That  the  delegates 
from  each  Presbytery  shall  nominate,  and  the  Assembly  annually  ap- 
point, a  member  of  each  Presbytery  financial  agent  for  the  same,  who 
shall  be  the  medium  of  correspondence  between  the  Boards  and  the 
Presbyteries,  and  who  shall  be  charged  with  the  special  duty  of  seeing 
to  it  that  the  will  of  the  Assembly  is  fully  carried  out  in  each  Presby- 
tery.    Vol.  I,  p.  117,  1860. 

Resolved,  2.  *  *  *  That  financial  agents  be  prompt  in  reporting  to 
their  Presbyteries  and  publishing  in  the  papers,  the  contributions  they 
have  received,  as  well  as  from  what  congi-egations,  and  that  they  for- 
ward the  funds  on  hand  to  the  various  treasurers  at  least  quarterly,  and 
oftener,  if  possible;  and  that  Presbyteries  see  to  it  that  these  agents  per- 
form their  duties  promptly,  and  also  that  non-contributing  congregation^ 
be  called  to  account  lor  their  neglect,  and  that  pastors,  .Sessions  and 
people  be  urged  to  meet  their  obligations  to  sustain  our  benevolent  work 
at  home  and  abroad.     Vol.  IV,  p.  320,  1876. 

It  is  submitted,  that  the  financial  agent  is  the  Assembly's  officer,  and 
in  order  to  define  the  duties  of  the  position,  the  following  is  recom- 
mended : 

1.  To  seek  the  counsel  and  co-operation  of  Presbyteries,  by  laying 
before  them  the  work  to  be  done,  and  securing,  as  far  as  possible,  such 
wise  and  judicious  action  as  will  enlist  the  Sessions  and  people  in  the 
work. 

2.  To  kee]i  before  Sessions  and  people,  by  correspondence  and  per- 
sonal intercourse,  the  workings  and  wants  of  the  Boards. 

3.  To  endeavor  to  have  each  congregation  adopt  some  efficient  plan 
for  raising  the  funds  of  the  church,  recognizing  the  fact,  that  pastors 
and  Sessions  are  divinely  constituted  agencies  to  do  this  work  in  each 
conirresration. 


156  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

4.  To  call  attention  of  Sessions  to  any  remissness  on  the  part  of  any 
congregation  in  their  contribution  to  any  of  the  funds. 

5.  To  report  to  each  regular  meeting  of  Presbytery  the  condition  of 
the  financial  work  in  its  several  congregations. 

6.  To  secure  general  conferences  on  the  work  of  the  church  in  the 
hands  of  the  several  Boards. 

7.  To  have  their  accounts  audited  by  the  Presbyteries  each  year. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  452,  1877. 

1.  In  view  of  the  many  delinquencies  reported,  that  all  Financial 
Agents  and  Presbyteries  be  and  they  hereby  are  directed  to  urge  upon 
all  our  people  and  congregations  to  make  some  contributions  to  each 
and  all  of  the  Boards  of  the  church  annually,  and  rej)ort  annually  to  the 
Assembly  on  the  subject,  in  the  hope  that  the  present  number  of  delin- 
quent congregations  and  Presbyteries  may  annually  grow  less.  Vol.  V, 
p.  198,  1880. 

Resolved,  That  Financial  Agents  be  urged  to  attend  all  meetings  of 
Presbytery,  as  the  Assembly's  officers,  and  be  diligent  in  the  discharge 
of  their  duties  as  laid  down  bv  former  Assemblies.  Vol.  VI,  p.  238, 
1885.     Also  ]).  432,  188G. 

3.  Financial  Agents  to  Apportion  the  Funds  Among  the 

Congregations. — Resolved,  That  the  financial  agents  be  directed  at 
an  early  day  to  api)ortion  the  sum  required  from  their  Presbyteries 
among  the  congregations,  settled  and  vacant,  and  urge  upon  them  the 
great  importance  of  complvinjr  with  the  above  requisitions.  Vol.  II,  p. 
28,  1864. 

4.  All  Contributions  to  be  Made  Through  the   Financial 

Agents. — Resolved,  That  congregations  or  individuals,  forwarding 
subscriptions  to  the  various  Boards,  should  do  so  through  the  financial 
agents  to  their  respective  Presbyteries,  and  that  the  treasurers  of  such 
Boards  acknowledge  the  same  as  received  from  such  Presbyteries.  Vol. 
II,  p.  162,  1865. 

Resolved,  10.  That  all  the  contributions  of  churches.  Sabbath -schools 
and  societies  shall  be  made  through  the  financial  agents  of  Presby- 
teries.    Vol.  Ill,  p.  535,  1873. 

Resolved,  6.  That  congregations  be  instructed  to  forward  their  con- 
tributions through  the  financial  agents  of  the  Presbyteries,  and  that 
the  financial  agents  be  instructed  to  report,  when  requested  by  the 
Board  to  do  so,  the  amount  contributed  by  each  congregation.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  302,  1873. 

[The  Missionary  societies  were  exempted  from  this  rule.] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  resolution  [6,  above,]  directing  that  all  contri- 
butions shall  be  made  through  financial  agents  of  Presbyteries,  is  hereby 
changed  so  as  no  longer  to  apply  to  Missionary  societies,  and  that  the 
Assembly  recommend  that  these  societies  make  all  their  contributions 
for  missionary  purposes  through  tlieir  own  Presbyterial  Treasurers, 
Vol.  VII,  p.  220,  1889. 

5.  Financial  Agents  to  Acknowledge  the  Moneys  Received 

by  Them. — Resolved,  That  it  be  the  duty  of  the  financial  agents  to 
acknowledge  such  subscriptions  in  the  local  papers  of  the  church.  Vol. 
II,  p.  162,  1865. 

Resolved,  3.      *      *      *      *      That  financial  agents  be  directed  to  ac- 


riNANCIAL    AGENTS.  157 

knowledge,  by  publishing  in  detail  all  moneys  received  by  them,  and 
that  it  be  no  part  of  the  duty  of  the  General  Treasurer  to  publish  re- 
ceipts of  funds.     Vol.  Ill,  J).  416,  1872. 

Resolved,  2.  *  *  *  *  Tiiat  financial  agents  be  prompt  in  re- 
porting to  their  Presbyteries,  and  publishing  in  the  papers,  the  contri- 
butions they  iiave  received,  as  well  as  from  what  conf^ref^ations.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  320,  187G. 

G.  Blanks  for  Financial  KgQntS.— Resolved,  9.  That  blank  forms 
be  prepared  by  tiie  Assembly  for  tiie  use  of  financial  agents  in  remitting 
moneys  to  the  different  treasurers  of  the  Boards  and  other  funds  of  the 
Church,  with  directions  as  to  the  manner  of  using  the  same.  Vol.  Ill, 
J).  o3o,  1873. 

8.  That  the  clerks  of  Assembly  be  authorized  and  directed  to  procure 
a  uniform  set  of  books  and  blanks  for  reports,  for  the  use  of  financial 
agents  and  treasurers  of  tlie  Boards  :  and  that  they  are  hereby  author- 
ized to  draw  upon  the  Assembly's  Treasurer  for  the  amount  of  the  bill. 
Vol.  V,  p.  19'J,  1880. 

7.  Persons  to  Co-operate  With  Financial  Ag&nX^.— Resolved, 

3,  That  the  Committee  on  Ways  and  Means  be  empowered  to  secure  in 
every  Presbytery  the  help  of  one  or  more  persons,  specially  interested 
in  bringing  before  the  people  of  all  our  congregations  the  claims  and 
needs  of  the  general  work  of  the  Church,  who  shall  advise  and  co-oper- 
ate with  tlie  financial  agent  in  his  work.      Vol.  VII,  p.  C41,  1891. 

8.  A  General  Financial  Agent  for  the  Whole  Church.— 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  apjjointed  to  consider  the  sub- 
ject of  appointing  a  general  treasurer  and  financial  agent  for  the  entire 
church,  and  that  they  recommend  a  suitable  person  for  this  office,  and 
report  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Vol.  II,  p.  418,  18G7.  [This 
committee  presented  a  report,  recommending  the  appointment  of  a  gen- 
eral financial  agent.  This  report  was  before  several  Assemblies,  when 
it  was  overtured  and  rejected  by  the  following  vote:  ayes,  208;  nays, 
24o;  not  voting,  21.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  150,  1870.] 

[Resolutions  for  the  appointment  of  a  general  financial  agent  were 
introduced  into  the  Assembly  of  1875,  Vol.  IV,  p.  189,  and"  were  re- 
ferred to  the  next  Assembly,  when  the  following  action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  That  the  appointment  of  a  general  financial  agent,  as  con- 
templated in  the  paper  assigned  to  us,  be  postponed  for  the  present. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  320,  187G. 

[Sundry  memorials  were  presented  asking  the  Assembly  to  appoint  a 
general  financial  agent.     The  following  action  was  taken:] 

1.  That  a  committee  be  ai){)ointed  to  prepare,  in  the  use  of  such  time 
and  study  of  facts,  and  careful  deliberation,  as  the  work  needs  and  its 
great  importance  merits,  a  system  of  finance,  with  a  view  to  the  correc- 
tion, or  at  least  to  the  mitigation  of  the  evils  deplored;  that  said  com- 
mittee shall  consist  of  [seven  persons],  with  the  Corresponding  Secretaries 
of  the  Boards  as  advisory  members;  and  that  said  committee  be  directed 
to  publish  first  draft  of  its  scheme  in  the  Church  papers  on  or  before 
October  1,  next. 

2.  That  the  Presbyteries  of  the  Church  be  directed  to  consider  the 
scheme  of  finance,  which  the  said  committee  may  thus  propose,  and  on 
or  before  February  1,  1892,  report  to  the  committee  their  views  with 


158  DIGEST    OK    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

reference  to  it,  and  any  amendments  tliey  may  think  expedient,  with 
their  reasons  for  suggesting  such  amendments. 

3.  That  tlie  committee  carefully  consider  the  views  expressed  by 
the  Presbyteries,  and  the  amendments  proposed;  and  then  revise  and 
complete  their  scheme  by  the  incorporation  in  it  of  such  clianges  as  may 
seem  to  be  expedient,  in  the  light  shed  upon  all  parts  of  the  subject  by 
the  advices  from  the  Presbyteries. 

4.  That  the  committee  publish  in  the  papers  of  the  Church,  about  May 
1,  1892,  their  scheme  of  hnancial  management,  as  thus  completed;  and 
finally,  that  tliey  present  it  to  the  next  As'^embly  for  action  thereon. 

5.  That  to  this  committee  be  referred  the  various  memorials  on  this 
subject  now  bei'ore  the  Assembly,  including  the  memorial  asking  that 
the  contributions  of  "Women's  ^Missionary  Societies  be  forwarded  through 
the  financial  agents  of  the  Presbyteries.      Vol.  VII,  p.  G4.3,  IH'Jl. 

xLiv.    forp:ign  missions,  board  of. 

1.  Charter  Cf  the  Baard  of  Missions. — [Granted  by  the  Legis- 
lature ot  Pennsylvania,  approved  by  the  Governor,  April  12,  18G6,  and 
accepted  by  the  General  Assembly,  Vol.  II,  p.  302,  186G.] 

Whereas,  The  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  North  America  have  a  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  com- 
posed of  ministers  and  laymen,  members  of  the  said  Church,  the  design 
of  which  is  tiie  establishing  and  conducting  Christian  missions  among 
the  unevangelized  or  pagan  nations,  and  the  general  diffusion  of  Chris- 
tianity ;  and, 

Whereas,  The  aforesaid  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  labors  under 
serious  disadvantages  as  to  receiving  donations  and  bequests,  and  as  to 
the  management  of  funds  entrusted  to  them  for  the  purposes  designated 
in  their  constitution,  and  in  accordance  with  tlie  benevolent  intentions 
of  those  from  whom  such  bequests  and  donations  are  received  ;  there- 
fore, 

Section  1,  Be  it  enacted,  &c.,  That  James  Prestley,  John  B.  Dales, 
Francis  Church,  Thomas  II.  Hanna,  Samuel  C.  Huey,  Wm.  Getty, 
Thomas  Stinson  and  William  W.  Barr,  citizens  of  the  United  States, 
and  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  and  their  successors,  are 
hereby  constituted  and  declared  to  be  a  body  politic  and  corporate, 
which  shall  henceforth  be  known  by  the  name  of  the  Board  of  Foreign 
Missions  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  and  as 
such  shall  have  perpetual  succession,  and  be  able  to  sue  and  be  sued  in 
all  courts  of  record  and  elsewhere,  and  to  purchase  and  receive,  take 
and  hold  to  them  and  theirsuccessors  forever,  lands,  tenements,  here- 
ditaments, money,  goods  and  chattels,  and  all  kinds  of  estate  which  may 
be  devised,  bequeathed  or  given  to  them,  and  the  same  to  sell,  alien, 
demise  and  convey,  also  to  make  and  use  a  common  seal,  and  the  same 
to  alter  and  renew  at  their  pleasure,  and  also  to  make  such  rules,  by- 
laws and  ordinances  as  may  be  needful  for  the  government  of  the  said 
corporation,  and  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the 
United  States  and  of  this  State.  Provided  always,  that  the  clear  and 
annual  income  of  the  real  and  personal  estate  held  by  this  corporation 
shall  not  at  any  time  exceed  the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  dollars.     The 


KOKEIGN    MISSIONS,    HOARD    OF.  150 

corporation  of  persons  above  named  shall  hold  their  offices  for  three 
years  from  the  date  of  this  act,  and  until  their  successors  are  duly  qual- 
ified to  take  their  places,  who  shall  be  chosen  at  such  times  and  in  such 
way  and  manner  as  shall  be  prescribed  by  the  said  General  Assembly  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America.  The  said  Board 
liereliy  incorporated  and  their  successors  shall  be  subject  to  the  direc- 
tion of  said  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presl)yterian  Church  of 
North  America,  have  full  power  to  manage  the  funds  and  property 
committed  to  their  care  in  such  manner  as  shall  Le  most  advantageous, 
not  being  conti'ary  to  law. 

2.  Constitution  of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions. — [A  con- 
stitution toi-  the  iJoard  of  Foreign  Missions  was  adopted.  Vol.  I,  p.  45, 
185'J,  but  it  was  sujierseded  by  the  general  constitution  of  the  Boards, 
and  the  following  new  constitution  :] 

1.  This  Board  shall  be  styled  "  The  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Cliurch  of  North  America,"  and  shall  be  lo- 
cated in  the  city  of  Pliiladelphia. 

2.  To  this  Board  shall  be  entrusted,  under  the  direction  and  control 
of  the  Assembly,  the  superintendence  of  the  Foreign  Missionary  opera- 
tions of  the  church.  To  this  Board  shall  belong  the  duty,  though  not 
the  exclusive  right,  of  nominating  to  the  Assembly  missionaries  and 
agents,  and  of  designating  fields  of  labor.  They  shall  also  receive  re- 
ports of  the  corresponding  secretary,  and  give  him  needful  direction, 
prepare,  for  the  Assembly,  estimates  of  all  appropriations  and  expendi- 
tures of  money,  and  take  such  action  as  may  be  necessary  to  secure  the 
efficient  and  successful  prosecution  of  the  work  committed  to  their  care. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  23,  1874. 

3.  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions. — [Approved 

by  the  General  Assembh',  A'ol.  1,  ]>.  227,  IbGl]. 

1.  Every  application  to  be  recommended  to  the  General  Assembly, 
for  an  appointment  to  be  a  missionary  in  the  foreign  field,  shall  be  given 
in  to  the  Board  at  the  earliest  time  convenient,  that  thus  there  may  be 
an  opportunity  fur  making  all  profier  inquiries  in  regard  to  it.  This 
application  shall  be  presented  in  writing,  briefly  stating  the  applicant's 
age,  habits,  education,  previous  employment,  the  length  of  time  he  has 
been  a  professor  of  religion,  his  motives  and  reasons  lor  desiring  to  en- 
gage in  the  missionary  service,  the  field  of  labor  he  prefers,  the  state  of 
his  health,  his  purpose  or  position  in  reference  to  marriage,  and  the 
probabilities  of  his  permanent  continuance  in  the  mission  work  if  ap- 
pointed and  sent  out. 

2.  No  student,  licentiate  or  minister  shall  be  recommended  by  this 
Board  for  an  appointment  who  cannot  give  written  testimonials  from 
persons  who  have  known  him,  in  reference  to  his  character  and  supposed 
fitness  for  the  missionary  service,  and  who  has  not  also  been  specially 
recommended  as  possessing  suitable  qualifications  by  the  Presbytery  to 
which  he  belongs.  It  is  also  very  desirable,  if  at  all  possible,  that  the 
Board  shall  have  a  personal  interview  or  acquaintance  with  him. 

3.  In  no  case  shall  the  Board  be  held  liable  for  debts  of  the  candidate, 
contracted  previously  to  his  appointment,  nor  for  any  after  it,  unless 
they  were  authorized  by  the  Board;  and  while  his  wishes  in  regard  to 
his  field  of  labor  are  to  be  carefully  consulted,  he  is  to  hold  himself  at 


160  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

tlie  direction  of  the  Board,  as  the  necessities  of  the  whole  field,  or  the 
emergencies  of  any  particular  part  of  it,  may  require. 

4.  After  iiis  appointment  the  candidate  is  to  keep  the  Board  informed 
of  his  Post  Office  address,  and  wliile  the  whole  matter  of  his  ordination 
is  left  to  the  Presbytery,  yet  it  is  recommended  that  it  be  attended  to  at 
an  early  day,  so  that  tliere  may  be  no  distraction  or  delay  in  his  depar- 
ture on  account  of  it — and  also  that  it  be  at  such  time  and  place,  if  cir- 
cumstances will  allow,  as  will  best  subserve  the  interests  of  the  cause  of 
missions. 

5.  Every  married  missionary  shall  be  allowed  at  least  $400,  from  the 
mission  funds,  for  an  outfit,  and  every  unmarried  missionary  $200,  to- 
gether with  all  the  expenses  in  each  case,  of  traveling  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Board,  and  of  the  passage  from  their  home  to  the  field  of 
labor.  The  regular  salary  shall  commence  with  the  day  of  arriving  in 
the  field  of  labor. 

6.  In  all  cases,  apparatus,  surgical  instruments,  books  and  durable 
property  of  any  kind,  which  have  been  purchased  by  special  grants  of 
the  Board,  for  any  mission,  shall  be  used  and  returned  to  the  mission, 
as  belonging  to  it,  under  the  direction  of  the  Board. 

7.  On  reaching  tiie  field  of  labor,  the  missionary  shall  see  that  com- 
munications from  himself  or  from  the  mission  are  forwarded  to  the 
Board  once  in  three  months.  In  no  case  shall  he  engage  in  compensa- 
tory services  outside  of  the  regular  mission  work,  without  the  consent 
of  his  brethren  in  the  mission,  subject  to  the  review  of  the  Board,  and 
in  case  he  is  alone,  he  shall  not  so  engage  without  the  consent  of  the 
Board. 

8.  It  is  understood  that  in  all  ordinary  and  minor  matters,  the  mis- 
sionaries of  the  ibreign  stations  shall  have  much  discretionary  power — 
but  inasmuch  as  even  from  the  best  of  motives,  and  by  the  best  of  men, 
works  might  be  projected  and  entered  on,  which  the  Board  would  not 
have  the  means  of  sustaining — which  neither  it  nor  the  Church  at 
large  would  apf)rove — and  which  migiit  result  in  serious  difficulties,  and 
perhaps  disasters  ;  it  is  hereby  declared  that  no  new  mission  shall  be 
formed,  no  new  station  shall  be  taken  up,  no  real  estate  shall  be  pur- 
chased at  the  expense  of  the  Board,  no  money  belonging  to  the  Board 
shall  be  loaned  or  invested,  and  no  new  and  heavy  expenses  shall  be  in- 
curred, without  the  knowledge  and  consent  of  the  Board. 

9.  If  any  missionary  shall  have  a  desire  or  a  necessity,  on  account  of 
ill  iiealth,  or  from  any  other  cause,  to  return  to  this  country,  he  shall,  in 
all  cases  that  are  practicable,  request  permission  from  the  Board,  the 
request  being  accompanied  by  a  statement  of  the  reasons  for  it,  and  by 
the  opinion  also  of  the  members  of  the  mission  in  regard  to  it.  If  the 
time  and  urgency  of  the  case  render  it  impracticable  for  him  to  obtain 
this  permission,  he  must  then  obtain  the  consent  of  his  brethren  in  the 
mission,  and  this  consent  shall  be  subject  to  the  review  of  the  Board. 

10.  In  all  cases,  unless  otherwise  expressly  provided  for,  the  salary 
of  the  missionary  shall  cease  with  his  leaving  his  field — his  traveling  ex- 
penses shall  be  defrayed  by  the  Board — and  on  his  arrival  in  this  coun- 
try, his  salary  may  be  resumed,  if  it  is  judged  best  by  the  Board,  at 
half  the  previous  rate  for  six  months  or  one  year,  when,  if  he  shall  not 
return  to  his  fi^ld,  it  shall  entirely  cease.     All  his  traveling  expenses 


FOREIGN    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  161 

under  the  direction  of  the  Board,  after  his  return,  shall   be  paid  out  of 
the  treasury  oi  the  Board. 

11.  Every  mission  sliall  have,  if  practicable,  a  treasurer  or  financial 
agent,  who  shall  keep  the  accounts,  make  out  for  the  Board  an  annual 
report  of  the  expenses,  receipts,  estimates,  and  an  inventory  of  the 
property  of  the  mission,  receive  the  appropriations  of  the  Board  and 
distribute  them  to  the  members  of  the  mission,  according  to  the  rates  or 
salaries  hxed  by  the  Boanl.  The  financial  year  of  every  missionary 
shall  begin  Mith  the  hrst  of  January,  and  the  financial  report,  estimates, 
^c„  (5cc.,  shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Board  so  as  to  be  received  by  the 
first  of  April  in  eacii  year.  No  missionary  shall  draw  any  draft  on  the 
Ireasurer  of  the  Foreign  Missionary  Fund  witnout  being  authorized  by 
tlie  Board.  ^ 

12^  An  annual  report  shall  be  prepared  in  each  mission,  and  sent  to 
tiie  Board  b^y  the  first  of  April,  to  be  incorporated  with  the  annual  re- 
port of  the  Board  to  tlie  General  Assembly. 

4.  A  Manual  of  Instructions  for  Missionaries.-i^.«o/^;erf,  4, 

Ihat  the  Board  be  directed  to  prepare  and  publish  for  missionary  use 
such  a  manual  of  instructions  and  directions  as  their  work  demands 
Vol.  V,  p.  o29,  1882. 

4.  That  the  Assembly  approve  of  the   Manual   that  has   been  pub- 
lished, and  direct  tiiat  it  shall  be  put  into  the  hands  of  all  our  mission- 
aries   and   those  under  appointment  for   the  foreign  work,  and  that  its 
instructions  and  suggestions  be  earnestly  carried  out.     Vol.  V    p.  730 
1883.  '  r  > 

5   Outfits,  Salaries  and  Allowances  of  Foreign  Missionaries. 

— [Ihe  salaries  and  allowances  of  foreign  missionaries  were  as  follows- 
T  r""  "jronn^.'^'f '«"^'T:  Outfit,  $oOU  ;  salary,  $1,200  in  Egypt  and 
India,  «>1,000  in  Syria  and  China;  for  each  child  under  ten  year^  five 
per  cent,  of  salary  ;  from  ten  to  eighteen  years,  ten  per  cent.,  and  a  fair 
allmyance  for  house  rent.  For  unmarried  men  :  Outfit,  S300  ;  salary, 
$800  eacl^  except  in  Syria  and  China,  $700  each.  For  unmarried 
women  :  Outfit  $2()0 ;  salary,  in  India  and  Egypt,  $.300  each,  and  $450 
elsewhere.  Vol.  IV,  p.  51,  1874.  The  salaries  of  missionaries  in  Cairo 
and  Alexandria  were  advanced  to  $1,400  each  for  men  and  $550  for 
women.      \ol,  I\,  p.  180,  1875. 

Resolved,   G.  That  the  Board  be  instructed  to  inquire  further  into  the 
financial  slate  of  our  Missions,  and  make  such  modifications  or  chan<res 
in  regard  to  the  salaries,  general  expenses,  etc.,  as  the  circumstances'ia 
the  difierent  cases  may  show  to  be  desirable  or  necessary.     Vol    V   d 
353,  1881.  "  '  ^' 

X  ^Zt'ff:  \-  '^'"'^  J'ereafter  the  outfit  for  a  married  missionary  shall 
be  !i.300.00  ;  for  an  unmarried  male  missionary,  $150.00  ;  and  for  a  sin- 
gle female  missionary,  $100.00. 

2.  That  in  addition  to  a  house  which  shall  be  provided  by  the  Board, 
the  salaries  of  missionaries  in  the  field  shall  be  as  follows  :     In  E-ypt 
each  married  missionary  shall  receive,  annually,  $1,400.00;  each  Sv'le 
male  missionary,  $900.00;  and  each  single  female  missionary,  $550.00. 

;.n^''^"''    "^'"•'■'*^^   missionary,  $1,200.00;  each  single   male  mis- 
sionary, $900.00;  and  each  single  female  missionary,  $500.00 

3.  That  for  each  child  under  the  age  of  18  years,  in  mission  fami- 


162  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

ilies,  $100.00  shall  be  paid  annually,  this  rule  applying  to  children  in 
the  field,  in  this  country,  or  elsewhere. 

4.  That  no  allowance  sliall  be  made  to  missionaries  for  physicians' 
fees,  except  in  extraordinary  oases,  which  must  be  reported  to  the 
Board  for  action  ;  and  no  allowance  shall  be  made  for  traveling  ex- 
pense-, except  where  the  missionaries  are  actually  engaged  in  mission 
work,  or  in  going  to  the  sanitariums  for  the  health  of  themselves  or 
families.     Vol.  Y,  pp.  529,  o47,  1882. 

Resolved,  Tliat  in  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly,  no  contract  exists 
between  tiie  Board  and  a  missionary  in  the  foreign  field  which  abso- 
lutely forbids  it  to  make  any  change  in  the  regulations  in  reference  to 
salaries  and  allowances  during  his  absence  in  the  field  ;  but  that  care 
should  be  taken  that  such  change  work  as  little  hardship  as  possible  to 
the  missionary.     Vol.  V,  p.  731,  1883. 

6.  Return  of  Foreign  Missionaries. — Resolved,  2.  That  in  the 

judgment  of  this  Assembly  missionaries  laboring  in  foreign  lands,  and 
especially  in  warm  climates,  should  return  to  their  native  land  at  inter- 
vals of  about  five  years,  to  invigorate  their  health,  and  thus  prolong 
their  lives  and  usefulness,  and  otherwise  advance  the  mission  work. 
Vol.  II,  p.  1.37,  180.').  [This  action  was  rescinded.  Vol.  II,  p.  416, 
1867.  Tlie  "IManual"  approved  by  the  General  Assembly,  Vol.  V, 
p.  730,  1883,  says:  The  question  of  the  return  of  a  missionary  must  be 
determined  in  each  case  on  its  own  merits  .  .  .  In  no  case  will  the 
Board  feel  free  to  sanction  the  return  of  any  one  who  has  not  been  at 
least  ten  years  in  the  field,  unless  the  requirements  of  health,  or  other 
providential  interposition,  shall  plainly  make  in  their  duty  so  to  do.] 

7.  Salaries  of  Returned  Foreign  Missionaries. — See  Regulation 
10. 

[The  Board  was  authorized  to  continue  to  returned  missionaries,  in 
case  of  continued  disability,  the  usual  salary  during  the  first  six  months 
after  their  return.  Vol.  II,  p.  302,  186G.  The  Board  was  directed  to 
pay  missionaries,  in  all  ordinary  cases,  at  the  rate  of  half  salary  in  gold, 
while  necessarily  absent  from  the  field  of  labor.     Vol.  II,  p.  498,  1868. 

The  action  of  1806  and  1808  was  rescinded,  and  regulation  10  was 
amended  by  substituting,  "not  more  than  twt)  years,"  for  "six  months 
or  one  year."  Vol.  Ill,  p.  19,  1809.  The  salaries  of  missionaries 
temporarily  absent  from  their  fields  of  labor  were  fixed  as  follows:  Mis- 
sionaries with  families  at  the  rate  of  $1,000  a  year,  with  no  allowance 
for  children ;  single  male  missionaries,  $500,  and  female  missionaries 
$350,  provided  that  these  allowances  shall  not  extend  beyond  one  year, 
except  at  the  discretion  of  the  Board.     Vol.  IV,  pp.  305,  327,  1876.] 

8.  Allowance  to  Widows  of  Foreign  Missionaries. — Resolved, 

12.  That  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  be  instructed  to  pay  to  the 
widows  of  missionaries  who  1  ave  died,  or  may  die,  in  the  service  of  the 
Board,  the  sum  of  $20  a  month,  during  their  widowhood.  Vol.  II,  p. 
157,  1805.  [The  widow  of  a  missionary,  who  has  died  in  the  service 
of  the  Board,  if  she  be  without  children,  may  be  employed  as  a  sin- 
gle female  missionary,  provided  she  has  the  necessary  qualifications. 
Manual.] 

9.  Allowance  to  the  Children  of  Foreign  Missionaries  Sent 

to  This  Country. — Resolved,  13.  That  the  sum  of  $100  be  paid  an- 


FOREIGN    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  ]  G3 

nuallj  for  the  support  of  each  of  the  children  of  our  missionaries  wlio 
have  b(.en  returned  to  tliis  country  to  obtain  an  education,  and  that 
they  be  provided  with  tuition  free  in  any  college  under  the  care  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church.  Vol.  IIJ,  p.  19,  18G9.  [This  allowance 
was  fixed  at  the  uniform  rate  of  $lo()  a  year  for  children  under  eio-h- 
teen  years  ot  age,  and  whose  parents  are  not  in  this  country.  Vol.  fv, 
pp^oO.*,  327,  1870.     It  was  changed  to  SlOO  a  year.     Vol.  V,  pp,  529' 

10.  The  Training-  of  Native  Missionaries.— T^^'so/j-e^/,  8.  That 

in  view  ot  tiie  comparatively  short  lite  of  American  missionaries  in 
heatlien  countries,  and  the  frequent  necessity  of  returnincr  borne  to  re- 
cruit their  strengtl)  ;  and  in  view  of  the  length  of  time  and  the  ^reat 
abor  necessary  to  acquire  the  use  of  the  difficult  lan-^ua^es  of  most 
heathen  countries;  and  in  view  of  the  great  disadvantage  which  a  for- 
eigner must  always  experience  in  commanding  the  popular  mind  of  any 
people  when  he  has  to  address  them  as  a  foreigner  ;  and  in  view  of  the 
vastly  greater  expense  of  sustaining  the  work  by  exporting  the  laborers 
at  such  disadvantages,  and  at  such  great  distances  from  the  bases  of 
supply  and  management,  we  recommend  to  our  Board  that  the  idea 
should  be  constantly  kept  in  view,  that  the  present  system  of  conductin^r 
foreign  missions  should  be  regarded  as  introductory  to  the  more  perma- 
nent and  efficient  system  by  which  the  work  will  be  mainly  carried  for- 
ward  by  native  teachers  and  missionaries  from  home  sources  of  support  • 
therefore,  we  recommend  to  the  Board  to  give  special  attention  to  the 
raising  up  of  native  teachers  and  ministers,  and  thus  layin-^  deeply  and 
broadly  such  foundations  as  may  secure  efficient  native  laborers,  and  in 
due  time  make  the  respective  institutions  self-sustainin^.  Vol.  II  n 
498,  1808.  °  '  ^* 

On  the  subject  of  training  a  native  ministry,  referred  by  the  Board  to 
the  Assembly,  the  Committee  on  Foreign"  Missions  recommend  the 
adoption  of  the  following: 

liesolvech  1.  That  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  this  is 
necessary  to  the  final  success  of  the  missionary  cause,  and  that  they 
hereby  instruct  all  their  missionaries  in  the  foreign  field  to  <r\xe  special 
attention  to  this  part  of  the  work;  and  that  they  also  direct"  the  Board 
to  encourage  and  co-operate  with  missionaries  in  carrvin'^  out  this  in- 
struction ;  assuring  both  the  Board  and  missionaries  of  ?he  sympathy 
and  hearty  co-operation  of  the  Assembly. 

2.  'J'hat  this  Assembly  heartily  approves  of  the  action  of  our  mission- 
aries in  Kgypt,  111  establishing  and  conducting  a  literary  and  theoloc'ical 
institute  ior  this  purpose  ;  and  should  the  Board,  on  consultation  with 
the  1  resbytery  of  Egypt,  deem  it  necessary  to  the  wants  of  the  mission 
to  establish  an  additional  institute,  they  are  instructed  to  do  so,  the  lo- 
cation and  management  to  be  under  the  direction  of  the  Presbytery. 
The  Assembly  also  directs  the  Board,  if  on  consultation  with  the  breth- 
ren  in  Syria  they  deem  it  necessary,  to  establish  a  similar  institute  in 
Damascus,  or  wherever  they  may  deem  it  best,  its  management  to  be 
under  the  direction  of  the  mission. 

3.  That  the  Board  be  directed  when  they  shall  have  ascertained 
what  means  are  necessary  in  books,  apparatus  or  monev,  and  shall 
have  secured  competent  person  or  persons  to  take  charge  of  these  insti- 


364  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

tutions,  then  to  bring  the  whole  matter  before  the  Church,  and  make  a 
special  appeal  to  our  people,  urging  the  great  importance  of  this  work, 
^nd  its  demands  upon  their  liberality  and  their  prayers. 

This  direction  is  to  be  understood  as  extending  to  all  our  foreign  mis- 
sions.    Vol.  Ill,  p.  413,  1872. 

Resolved,  7.  That  the  Assembly  approves  the  establishing  of  a  train- 
ing college  and  mission  seminary  at  Osiout,  and  that  $2,500  be  devoted 
to  the  building  fund  of  the  college,  out  of  the  appropriation  for  Egypt 
ioT  this  year.     Vol.  IV,  p.  35,  1874. 

Hesolved,  11.  That  the  Assembly  heartily  approves  of  the  proposal 
to  establish  a  theological  seminary  in  India  tor  the  training  of  a  native 
.ministry,  and  that  the  Presbytery  of  Sialkot  be  encouraged  to  establish 
the  same  as  soon  as  in  their  judgment  it  may  be  deemed  proper,  and 
the  money  at  their  disposal  will  warrant  ;  but  in  the  present  state  of 
the  treasury  of  the  Board,  it  is  not  deemed  advisable  to  appoint  any  ad- 
ditional laLorers  for  that  field,  or  become  responsible  for  any  expense 
;additional  to  the  present  estimates.     Vol,  IV,  p.  305,  1876. 

11.  The  Education  of  Native  Women. — Boarding  Schools  for 

girls  were  established  at  Asyoot  and  Cairo  in  Egypt.  The  Girls* 
Training  Institute  at  Sialkot,  India,  was  commended  to  the  churches 
for  special  contribution,  '*  with  an  earnest  view  of  raising  up  the  women 
in  our  ditferent  fields  to  their  proper  slate."     Vol.  V,  p.  730,  1883. 

12.  China  Mission.— See  Chinese  Mission. 

13.  S3nria  Mission. — [On  memorials  from  the  Synod  of  Illinois  and 
•from  the  Presbytery  of  Frankfort,  asking  for  the  consolidation  of  the 
foreign  missions  ol  the  church,  it  was] 

Resolved,  4.  That  the  Board  is  hereby  instructed  to  make,  as  soon  as 
practicable,  such  arrangements  with  the  Irish  Presbyterian  Church  as 
•shall  relieve  us  of  all  responsibility  with  regard  to  the  Syrian  mission. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  444,  1877. 

[By  tiie  terms  of  the  agreement  with  the  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Ireland,  which  had  joint  charge  of  the  mission  and  an  equal  ownership 
in  the  property,  either  party  withdrawing  would  leave  the  other  in  pos- 
session of  all  the  property,  and  in  entire  ownership  and  charge  of  the 
mission.  The  mission  was  transferred  to  the  Church  of  Ireland,  "with 
a  right  for  us  to  return  and  resume  labors  with  them  in  it,  if  at  any 
time  hereafter  it  shall  be  deemed  best."  The  buildings  in  Bludan  were 
the  exclusive  property  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  were 
sold  to  the  Church  of  Ireland.     Vol.  IV,  p.  598,  1878.] 

Resolved,  7.  That  the  Board  be,  and  hereby  is,  directed  to  place  the 
proceeds  resulting  from  the  sale  of  the  Bludan  property  in  Syria,  to- 
gether with  tiie  stock  of  the  Merchants  and  Manufacturers'  Bank, 
Pittsburgh,  to  tlie  credit  of  the  investment  fund.  Vol.  IV,  p.  577, 
1878. 

14.  Women's   Foreign   Missionary  Societies. — Resolved,  lO. 

That  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  General  Assembly  that  the  great  de- 
mand for  female  laborers,  in  view  of  the  condition  of  their  sex  in  foreign 
lands,  requires  that  the  women  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  take 
a  deeper  interest  in  this  important  department  of  the  foreign  work,  and 
■exert  themselves  in  order  to  sustain  the  female  missionaries  now  in  the 
field,  and  to  increase  the  number  and  secure  the  support  of  additional 
female  laborers.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  407,  1872. 


FOREIGN    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  1 6ff 

Resolved,  9.  That  the  ■women  of  our  cliurch  at  large  be  urged  to  make 
special  efibrts  in  behalf  of  these  schools,  [suitable  boarding  schools  for 
girls],  and  in  the  Zenana  work  or  work  which  Christian  women  may 
do,  in  visiting  and  endeavoring  to  teach  and  evangelize  heathen  women, 
in  the  seclusion  and  privacy  of  their  homes.     Vol.  IV,  p.  3G,  1874. 

Resolved,  6.  That,  as  in  all  our  missions,  the  Board  is  ui-ging  the 
missionaries  to  encourage  and  carry  on,  as  far  as  may  be  possil)le,  and 
in  the  best  ways  jn-acticable,  the  work  of  educating  and  evangelizing 
heatlien  women,  the  Assembly  urge  the  women  in  all  our  churches  to> 
make  individual  contributions  for  this  purpose,  or  organize  and  carry  on 
societies  for  it,  that  the  Board  niiiy  have  in  its  general  fund  tlie  means? 
of  more  and  more  thoroughly  and  usefully  performing  this  in  common 
with  the  oilier  parts  of  our  great  work,  and  we  rejoice  to  know  that 
quite  a  number  of  our  churches  have  formed  such  societies  with  gratify- 
ing results.     Vol.  IV,  p.  182,  187;'). 

Resolved,  4.  That  in  order  to  secure  unity  of  purpose  and  action  in 
all  our  operations,  the  Assembly  direct  that  no  work  in  behalf  of  the 
foreign  mission  cause  be  undertaken  l)y  women's  missionary  societies, 
or  by  any  otlier  society,  apart  from  and  independent  of  the  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions,  and  that  such  work  shall  be  taken  up  only  when 
asked  for  by  tlie  missions  in  the  foreign  field,  and  sanctioned  by  the 
Board.     Vol.  IV,  p.  r)77,  1878. 

IG.  Missionary  Associations. — [An  association  of  the  members  of 
the  mission  in  Egypt,  lor  all  business  outside  of  Presliyterial  matters, 
was  formed,  and  its  constitution  was  approved  by  the  Assembly.  Vol. 
Ill,  pp.  140,  175,  179,  1870.  For  Constitution  of  the  Association,  see 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  180,  1870.  A  similar  association  was  formed  in  connec- 
tion with  the  India  Mission,  but  its  constitution  is  not  given  in  the 
Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly.] 

Resolved,  G.  Tiiat  the  rules  of  the  Manual  be  so  amended  as  to  allow^ 
the  female  missionaries,  who  assume  all  the  responsibilities  of  mission- 
aries, to  sit  as  members  in  the  Missionary  Associations,  to  advise  and 
to  vote  in  all  matters  |)ertaining  to  their  work.  Vol.  VII,  p.  427,. 
1890. 

10.  That  Missionary  Associations  in  the  foreign  field  be  earnestly  re- 
minded that  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  is  the  appointed  agency  of 
the  Cliurch  for  carrying  on  the  work,  and  that  all  their  communications, 
with  the  Church  at  home,  in  the  intei-est  of  the  work,  should  be  con- 
ducted with  a  full  recognition  of  tiie  authority  of  the  Board.  Vol.  VII, 
p.  633,  1891. 

17.  Special  Work. — Resolved,  4.  Tliat  the  Assembly  has  heard 
with  intei-est  tlie  special  work  that  has  been  undertaken,  liy  congrega- 
tions and  individuals,  to  send  out  and  support  new  missionaries.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  219,  1889. 

8.  That  while  there  are  some  dangers  and  disadvantages  in  the  send- 
ing out  of  special  missionaries  by  congregations,  societies,  or  individuals 
assuming  their  support  ior  a  term  of  years,  yet  it  is  the  judgment  of 
the  Assemlily  that  an  interest  is  aroused  in  mission  work  by  this  rnetliod,„ 
and  an  amount  of  money  contributed  for  its  sujiport,  whicli  could  not 
otherwise  be  secured.      \o\.  VII,  p.  G3.'],    1891. 

lo.  The  Medical  Work  Transferred  to  the  Women's  Auxili- 


166  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF   THE    ASSEMBLY. 

ary  Boaird. — [The  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  reported  that  it  had 
handed  over  to  the  Women's  Auxiliary  Board  the  work  of  establishing 
a  hospital  in  connection  with  the  mission  in  India.  Vol.  VII,  p.  41, 
1888.] 

Resolved,  2.  That  .  .  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  be  directed  to 
give  the  management  of  the  medical  work  into  the  hands  of  the 
Women's  Board,  in  so  far  as  it  extends  to  the  nomination  of  the  medi- 
cal missionaries,  and  to  all  the  details  in  carrying  on  the  medical  work 
in  hospitals  and  elsewhere,  and  that  the  Women's  Board  be  directed  to 
report  annually  to  the  Assembly.  Vol.  VII,  p.  220,  1889.  [A  com- 
mittee appointed  by  the  Assembly  of  1890,  reported  regulations  govern- 
ing this  work,  Vol.  VII,  p.  73G,  1891,  but  no  action  was  taken  on 
them.] 

18.  A  Monthly  Publication  to  be  Issued  by  the  Board  of 

Foreign  Missions. — liesolved^  4.  That  the  Board  be  authorized  and 
recommended  to  issue  a  monthly  missionary  publication  in  a  cheap  form 
for  general  circulation  through  the  church.     Vol.  I,  p.  118,  1860. 

Resolved,  4.  That  the  missionary  paper  proposed  to  be  published  by 
the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  be  recommended  to  the  pastors  and  peo- 
ple of  the  United  Presbyterian  Cliurch.      Vol.  I,  p.  227,  1861. 

Resolved,  5.  That  for  the  purpose  of  disseminating  information  on  the 
subject  of  our  foreign  missions,  the  Board  *  *  be  directed  to  in- 
quiie  into  the  expediency  and  practicability  of  establishing  and  publish- 
ing monthly  a  missionary  paper  to  be  devoted  principally  to  giving  in- 
formation on  the  subject  of  our  missions,  home  and  foreign.  Vol.  Ill, 
p.  407,  1872. 

1 9.  An  Itemized  Statement  of  Expenses  to  be  Given  by  the 

Board. — Resolved,  8.  That  an  itemized  statement  of  all  expenditures 
and  investments  of  funds  intrusted  to  the  Board,  and  its  liabilities,  be 
made  hereafter  to  the  Assembly.     Vol.  VI.  p.  440,  1886. 

20.  Mission  to  the  Upper  Nile. — The  American  Missionary  As- 
sociation tendered  to  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  $20,000  to  com- 
mence a  mission  in  the  regions  towards  Central  Africa,  or,  more  espec- 
ially, along  the  Upper  Kile.  The  Board  was  instructed  to  examine  the 
wisdom  of  establishing  such  a  mission,  with  authority  to  undertake  the 
woik,  if  the  way  be  clear,  and  appeal  to  the  Church  for  the  men  and 
the  nioney  necessary  for  its  prosecution.  Vol.  V,  p.  730,  1883.  The 
Board  reported  that  it  had  found  the  work  impracticable  and  had  de- 
clined tl>e  proposition.     Vol.  VI,  p.  53,  1884. 

21.  The  Gibson  Trust  Fund. — [Dr.  William  Gibson  of  James- 
town, Pa.,  about  the  year  1875,  by  deed  conveyed  to  the  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions  certain  properties  in  P>ie,  Pa.,  the  income  of  which 
is  to  be  used,  under  the  direction  of  the  Board,  for  "  the  circulation  of 
the  holy  Scriptures  in  Arab-speaking  countries."  By  the  conditions  of 
the  trust,  tliis  fund  must  be  kept  separate,  and  be  known  as  "  The  Gib- 
son Trust  Fund."  A  report  of  the  fund  is  made  to  each  General  As- 
sembly.    Vol.  V,  p.  204,  1880;  p.  373,  1881.] 


FREEDMEN,  BOARD    OF    MISSIONS    TO    THE.  167 

XLV.     FREEDMEN,  BOARD  OF  MISSIONS  TO  THE. 
1.  Charter  of  the  Board  of  Missions  to  the  Freedmen.— 

f  Granted  liy  tlie  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania,  approved  by  the  Gov- 
ernor, Marcli  25,  1868,  accepted  and  adopted  by  the  Assembly,  Vol.  II, 
p.  509,  1868.] 

Section  i.  Be  it  enacted,  &c.,  that  John  B.  Clark,  C.  A.  Dickey, 
A.  Calhoun,  Wm.  J.  Reid,  S.  B.  Reed,  W.  H.  Andrew,  John  Dean, 
James  Mitchell,  James  Patterson,  and  their  successors,  duly  chosen,  as 
liereinafter  specified,  are  hereby  created  a  body  politic  and  corporate  in 
deed  and  in  law,  by  the  name,  style  and  title  of.  The  Board  of  Missions 
to  the  Freedmen  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  North  America. 

Sec.  II.  Tliat  the  said  corporation  by  that  name  shall  have  and  enjoy 
perpetual  succession,  and  be  able  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be  im- 
pleaded, in  all  courts  of  law  and  elsewhere,  and  shall  be  able  and  capa- 
ble in  law  and  equity  to  take,  purchase,  hold  and  receive  to  them  and 
their  successors  any  lands,  tenements,  goods,  chattels,  sum  or  sums  of 
money,  which  are  now,  or  shall,  or  may  at  any  time  hereafter,  become 
the  property  of  said  corporation  by  purchase,  gift,  grant,  bargain,  sale, 
conveyance,  devise,  bequest,  or  otherwise,  from  any  person  or  persons 
whon)soever,  and  the  same  to  grant,  bargain,  sell,  mortgage,  improve  or 
dispose  of  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  said  corporation  or  body  politic, 
and  in  general  to  do  all  things  which  may  be  lawful  and  necessary  for 
the  well  being  and  proper  management  of  the  said  corporation  ;  Pro- 
vided, that  the  net  yearly  income  from  the  real  state  of  said  corporation 
shall  not  exceed  three  thousand  dollars. 

Sec.  III.  Tiiat  the  said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  make  and 
use  a  common  and  corporate  seal,  and  to  alter,  destroy  and  renew  the 
same  at  pleasure  ;  and  to  make  such  by-laws,  rules  and  regulations  as 
shall  be  necessary  for  the  government  of  the  said  corporation,  and  fer 
the  management  and  safe-keeping  of  the  funds  and  other  property 
thereto  belonging,  and  their  appropriation  and  use  in  accordance  with 
the  intent  and  jjurposes  of  its  institution:  Provided,  that  no  by-law, 
rule  or  regulation  as  aforesaid  shall  be  valid,  if  inconsistent  with  the 
constitution  and  laws  of  this  Commonwealth,  the  constitution  and  laws 
of  the  United  States,  or  the  discipline  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  North  America. 

Sec.  IV.  That  the  object  of  the  said  corporation  shall  be  to  educate 
the  freedmen  of  the  South  in  secular  and  religious  knowledge,  by  estab- 
lishing and  supporting  schools  and  churches  amongst  them,  and  by  such 
other  means  as  are  appropriate  to  missionary  operations. 

Sec.  v.  That  tlie  members  of  the  said  corporation  shall  be  such  as 
the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North 
America  shall  choose  and  appoint,  and  shall  consist  of  nine  persons, 
wiio  shall  be  divided  into  three  classes,  as  at  present  constituted,  three 
persons  being  in  each  class,  whose  term  of  membership  shall  be  three 
years,  so  that  one  class  of  three  persons  shall  be  annually  appointed,  and 
one  class  of  three  persons  shall  annually  go  out. 

Sec.  VI.  That  the  officers  of  said  corporation  shall  be  a  president, 
vice-president,  secretary  and  treasurer,  wiio  shall  remain  in  office  during 


168  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

a  term  of  one  year,  or  until  their  successors  are  duly  elected  and  quali- 
fied, and  sliall  be  chosen  by  the  corporation  from  its  own  membersliip, 
on  the  first  Tuesday  of  July  of  each  and  every  year;  and  that  until  an 
election  shall  be  had  under  tiiis  act,  William  J.  Reid  shall  be  Presi- 
dent, S.  B.  Reed,  A'ice-president,  John  B.  Clark,  Secretary,  and  John 
Dean,  Treasurer,  of  the  said  corporation. 

Sec.  VII.  That  no  misnomer  of  said  corporation  or  their  successors 
shall  defeat  or  annul  any  jzitt,  grant,  devise  or  bequest,  to  or  from 
said  corporation;  Provided,  that  the  intent  of  the  party  or  parties  shall 
sufficiently  appear  upon  the  face  of  the  sift,  grant,  will,  or  other  writ- 
ing, whereby  any  estate  or  interest  was  intended  to  pass  to  or  from  the 
said  cory)oration. 

2.  Constitution  of  the  Board  of  Missions  to  the  Freedmen. — 

[A  constitution  lor  the  Board  of  Missions  to  the  Freedmen  was  adopted, 
Vol.  I,  p.  498,  1803,  but  it  was  superseded  by  the  general  constitution 
of  the  Boards,  and  the  following  new  constitution:] 

I.  This  Board  shall  be  styled  "  The  Board  of  Missions  to  the  Freed- 
men of  the  United  Presbytei'ian  Church  of  North  America,"  and  shall 
be  located  in  the  city  of  Pittsburg. 

II.  To  this  Board  shall  be  entrusted,  under  the  direction  and  control 
of  the  General  Assembly,  the  direction  and  oversight  of  Missions  to  the 
Freedmen.  They  shall  iiave  the  right  to  select  and  recommend  fields 
of  labor;  appoint  missionai-ies  and  teachers;  prepare,  for  the  Assembly, 
estimates  of  all  ai)propriations  and  expenditures  of  money,  and  take  all 
action  that  may  be  necessary  to  secure  the  successful  prosecution  of  the 
•work  committed  to  their  care.      Vol.  IV.  p.  23,  1874. 

3.  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Missions  to  the  Freedmen. — 

[No  regulations  ior  the  government  of  this  Board  have  been  adopted  by 
the  Assembly.] 

4.  History  of  the  Board  of  Missions  to  the  Freedmen.— [Mis- 
sions among  the  freedmen  were  carried  on  under  tiie  direction  of  several 
Presbyteries  previous  to  18G3,  when  the  Board  of  Missions  to  the  Freed- 
men was  organized.  With  a  view  of  transferring  the  work  of  this  Board 
to  other  Boards  of  the  church,  the  following  action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  2.  Tliat  the  school  work  in  the  literary  department  be  dis- 
continued at  the  end  of  the  present  jear. 

3.  That  the  congregations  at  Nashville  and  Vicksburg  be  placed  under 
the  care  of  the  Presbytery  of  Tennessee,  and  referred  to  the  executive 
committee  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  for  aid,  to  whatever  amount 
may  be  necessary  to  support  the  pastors  of  tiiese  congregations. 

4.  That  the  Board  of  Freedmen's  Missions  be  directed  to  deed  their 
property  at  Nashville,  Vicksburg  and  Leavenworth  to  the  Board  of 
Church  Extension,  and  transfer  any  funds  tiiat  may  be  in  their  hands 
to  the  Board  of  Home  Missions. 

5.  That  they  be  directed  to  make  careful  inquiry  for  young  men  of 
piety  and  talent  in  these  missions,  having  the  gospel  ministry  in  view, 
and  needing  aid,  and  have  these  placed  under  the  care  of  the  Board  of 
Education. 

6.  That  the  Board  of  Freedmen's  Missions  be  directed  to  settle  their 
business,  if  possible,  by  the  end  of  the  year,  and  as  soon  as  their  busi- 
ness is  settled,  discontinue  their  organization.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  388,  1872. 


FREEDMEN,  BOARD    OF    MISSIONS    TO    THE.  169 

[The  next  Assembly  continued  tlie  Board  by  the  following  action  :] 

Resolved,  4.  That  the  Board  of  Freedmen's  Missions  be  continued  as 
ore  of  the  regular  Boards  of  the  church,  and  that  said  Board  have  a 
general  supervision  over  our  educational  enterprises  among  tiie  freed- 
men.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  530,  1873. 

[A  resolution  to  consolidate  the  Boards  of  Freedmen's  Missions  and 
of  Home  Missions  was  introduced  into  the  Assembly  of  1874,  but  it 
was  negatived.  Vol.  IV,  p.  18,  1874.  A  plan  for  consolidating  the 
Boards  of  Freedmen's  Missions,  Home  Missions  and  Ctmich  P^xtension 
was  overtured  to  the  Presbyteries.     Vol.  IV,  ]).  570,  1878. 

The  vote  on  this  overture  was :  Ayes,  97  ;  nays,  543  ;  not  voting, 
36.] 

Resolved,  That  these  Boards  be  not  consolidated.  Vol.  V,  p.  23, 
1879. 

5.  A  Normal  School  Among-  the  Freedmen.— Resolved,  4,  That 

the  Assembly  regards  with  special  favor  the  erection  of  a  normal  school, 
in  which  individuals  may  be  trained  up  for  missionaries  and  teachers 
among  the  peo{)le  of  their  own  color;  and  that  it  be  left  with  the  Board 
to  adopt  such  measures  as  to  tiiem  may  seem  best  for  the  accomplish- 
ment of  this  object.      Vol.  II,  p.  154,  1865. 

Resolved,  4.  Tliat  tiiis  Asseml)ly  do  endorse  the  resolution  of  the  last 
Assembly  and  the  late  report  of  the  Board  in  recommending  tlie  erec- 
tion of  a  normal  school  for  the  pur])nse  of  qualifying  freedmen  for  mis- 
sionaries and  teachers.     Vol.  II,  p.  310,  1866, 

Resolved,  4.  That  the  Board  W  instructed,  as  soon  as  the  necessary 
funds  can  be  obtained,  to  establish  at  such  a_place  in  the  South  as  it 
may  deem  most  advisable,  a  normal  school  for  the  training  of  colored 
teachers.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  13,  1869. 

Resolved,  3.  That  we  recommend  the  Board  to  proceed,  as  soon  as 
may  be,  with  the  establishment  of  a  normal  school  somewhere  in  the 
South,  and  that  they  be  authorized  to  draw  upon  the  Church  for  the 
funds  necessary  for  this  purpose.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  156,  1870. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Board  be  urged  to  secure  funds  and  establish  a 
normal  school  as  soon  as  possible.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  275,  1871. 

Resolved,  1.  That  all  efforts  to  establish  a  normal  school  among  the 
freedmen  be  discontinued.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  388,  1872. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  matter  of  establishing  a  normal  school  among 
the  freedmen  of  the  South  be  referred  to  the  Board  of  Missions  to  tiie 
Freedmen,  with  instructions  to  investigate  the  subject,  and  if  the  funds 
can  be  obtained  and  a  suitable  location  can  be  secured,  and  if  in  their 
judgment  the  establishment  of  such  an  institution  would  be  wise,  that 
they  be  authorized  to  begin  the  work,  and  tiiat  they  report  their  action 
to  the  next  Assembly.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  529,  1873. 

The  Assembly  of  last  year  revived  tiiis  work,  and  instructed  the 
Board  to  establish  a  normal  school.  These  instructions  have  been  car- 
ried out  with  promptness.  Knoxville  has  been  selected  as  the  location 
which  promises  the  best  results.     *     *     *     Tiierefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  conduct  of  the  Board  in  this  work  be  approved. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  18,  1874. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Board  of  Freedmen's  Missions  be  directed  to 
proceed  immediately  to  erect  the  necessary  buildings  for  a  mission  train- 


170  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

ing  school  among  the  freedmen,  and  to  open  said  school  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible.    Vol.  IV,  p.  176,  1875. 

[The  school  was  opened  in  September,  1875,  and  later  became 
known  as  Knoxville  College.  A  similar  school  was  opened  in  Chase 
City,  Va.,  in  1876,  and  one  in  Norfolk,  Va.,  in  1882.] 

6.  Dormitories Resolved,  1.  That  we  recommend    to  the   Board 

the  propriety  of  providing  dormitories  and  cheap  boarding  for  pupils  at 
Knoxville  as  soon  as  tliey  may  be  able  to  do  so.     Vol.  IV,  p.  442,  1877. 

7.  Students'  Fund, — Resolved,  4.  That  we  authorize  the  Board  to 
establish  a  fund  for  the  assistance  of  worthy  students,  which  shall  be 
permanently  vested,  and  the  interest  used  annually  for  the  aforesaid 
purpose.     Vol.  IV,  p.  442,  1877. 

2.  We  recognize  the  importance  of  a  students'  fund,  judiciously  em- 
ployed, to  enable  poor  students  to  continue  in  school  without  inter- 
ruption, and  we  commend  this  object  to  the  special  consideration  of  the 
benevolent  as  worthy  of  patronage.     Vol.  V,  p.  741,  1882. 

8.  A  Home  for  Orphan  Children. — [The  Board  reported  the 
opening  of  a  home  for  orphan  girls  from  tiie  age  of  five  to  fifteen  years. 
The  Assembly  approved  the  action :]  Resolved,  3.  That  the  new  depart- 
ment for  orphan  children,  instituted  and  supported  by  private  enter- 
prise, should  be  continued,  and  the  Board  is  authorized  to  draw  from 
the  general  fund  for  its  support.      Vol.  V,  p.  741,  1883. 

9.  Industrial  Schools  for  the  Freedmen. — Resolved,  4.  That,  as 

earnest  and  reasonable  recjuests  are  made  for  the  establishment  of  in- 
dustrial schools  in  our  missions  in  Virginia,  attention  be  given  to  this 
branch  of  training,  so  far  as  practicable  and  the  means  will  afford. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  217,  1889. 

7.  That  the  establishing  industrial  schools  is  looked  upon  with  favor 
by  the  Church,  and  that  this  special  work  is  commended  to  the  liberality 
of  those  of  large  means.      Vol.  VII,  p.  425,  1890. 

10.  Evangelistic  Work  Among  the  Freedmen.— i^eso/verf,  3. 

We  recommend  to  the  consideration  of  this  Board  the  propriety  of 
making  an  advancement  in  this  work,  more  especially  in  the  direction 
of  doing  evangelistic  work  among  the  Freedmen.  Vol.  VII,  p.  217, 
1889. 

3.  That  promising  and  pious  young  men  who  have  graduated  from 
the  schools  and  are  looking  to  the  ministry,  be  employed  as  missionaries 
among  the  colored  people  oi' the  South.      Vol.  Vll,  p.  425,  1890. 

11.  A  Commission  to  License  and  Ordain  Ministers  Among 

the  Freedmen. — Resolved,  O.  That  inasmuch  as  the  Freedmen's  Mis- 
sion is  far  removed  from  any  of  the  organized  Presbyteries  of  our 
Church,  and  inasmuch  as  some  exercise  of  Presbyterial  control  will  be 
necessary  in  selecting  and  employing  young  men  as  missionaries,  and  in 
establishing  stations  and  the  organizing  of  congregations,  it  is  hereby 
ordered  that  the  ordained  ministers  in  the  South  be  constituted  a  com- 
mission with  power,  under  the  advice  and  approval  of  the  Board,  to 
employ  missionaries,  to  license  men  to  preach,  to  ordain  ministers  after 
completing  their  course  of  study,  to  organize  congregations,  and  ordain 
elders;  and  the  said  commission  shall  report  to  the  General  Assembly 
through  the  Board.  Vol.  VII,  p.  425,  1890.  [No  action  has  been 
taken  under  this  appointment.] 


GENERAL    ASSEMBI-Y.  171 

XLVI.     FREE  PEWS. 

Resolved,  2.  That  Sessions  and  trustees  be  recommended  to  abolish 
the  system  of"  renting  pews,  as  inconsistent  with  freedom  of  worship,  as 
a  hindrance  to  benevolence,  and  as  making  merchandise  of  the  house 
of  God.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  534,  1873. 

XLVII.     GAILEY'S  APPEAL. 

[Rev.  R.  Gailey  appealed  from  the  Presbytery  of  Mansfield  to  the 
Eirst  Synod  of  the  West,  which  issued  the  case,  the  Synod  being  then 
vested  with  final  power  in  matters  of  discipline,  the  General  Assembly 
having  appellate  power  in  doctrine  and  order  only.  After  the  erection 
■of  the  Synod  of  Oiiio  out  of  a  part  of  the  First  Synod  of  the  West, 
Mr.  Gailey  brought  his  appeal  to  the  Synod  of  Ohio,  which  Synod, 
being  co-ordinate  with  the  First  Synod  of  the  West,  decided  not  to  en- 
tertain his  appeal.  From  this  decision  he  appealed  to  the  Assembly. 
The  Assembly  sustained  the  Synod  of  Ohio,  and  adopted  the  following 
resolution  :] 

Hesohed,  That  the  api)eal  and  accompanying  papers  of  Rev.  R. 
■Gailey  be  and  they  hereby  are  returned  to  him.     Vol.  II,  p.  314,  1866. 

XLVIII.     GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 

1.  Charter  of  the  General  Assembly. — [Ordered  by  the  As- 
sembly, Vol.  1,  p.  37,  1859  ;  gi-anted  by  tlie  Legislature  of  Pennsyl- 
vania; approved  by  the  Governor,  March  22,  1860,  and  accepted  by 
the  Assembly.     Vol.  I,  p.  114,  I860.] 

Section  i.  Be  it  enacted,  «fcc..  That  James  McCandless,  Graham 
Scott,  John  Alexander,  Thomas  McCance,  William  Getty,  William  M. 
Bell  and  David  Reed,  and  their  successors  in  office,  duly  elected  as 
hereinafter  specified,  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  declared  a 
body  politic  and  corporate  in  deed  and  in  law  by  the  name,  style  and 
title  of  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  North  America. 

Sec.  II.  That  said  corporation  shall  have  perpetual  succession  and 
the  right  to  hold  lands,  tenements,  rents,  franchises  and  other  heredita- 
ments and  all  personal  property  which  heretofore  have  been  conveyed, 
assigned,  transferred,  devised  and  bequeathed  to  the  ministers  and  elders 
composing  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church 
of  North  America,  or  to  any  person  or  persons  in  trust  for  them  ;  and 
the  same  is  hereby  vested  in  said  corporation  forever  for  such  uses  and 
purpose  as  said  conveyances,  assignments,  transfers,  bequests  and  de- 
vises were  respectively  made  or  intended  ;  and  said  corporation  is  hereby 
declared  to  be  seized  and  possessed  of  such  estates  and  interest  as  in 
and  by  said  conveyances,  assi<rnments,  transfers,  bequests  and  devises 
thereof  is  or  are  declared,  limited,  expressed  or  intended  ;  and,  further, 
said  corporation  shall  have  all  the  rights,  franchises  and  powers  which 
by  law  pertain  to  corporations,  the  right  to  hold  and  possess  real  and 
personal  property,  yielding  a  net  annual  income  not  exceeding  twenty 
thousand  dollars,  and  the  same  to  dispose  of  at  pleasure,  but  said  limi- 
tation not  to  be  construed  as  including  the  annual  or  periodical  coUec- 


172  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

tions  and  voluntary  contributions  made  in  the  churches  under  the  care 
of  said  General  Asseembly  or  contributions  from  any  other  source. 
Provided  that  in  cases  where  special  instructions  for  the  management 
and  disposal  thereof  sliall  be  given  by  the  General  Assembly  in  writing 
under  tlie  hand  of  their  clerk,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  said  corporation  to 
act  according  to  such  instructions. 

Sec.  III.  That  no  misnomer  of  said  corporation  shall  defeat  or  annul 
any  gift,  grant,  devise  or  bequest  to  or  from  said  corporation;  provided 
that  the  intent  of  such  gift,  grant,  devise  or  bequest  shall  sufficiently 
appear  that  the  same  was  intended  to  pass  to  or  from  said  corporation. 

Sec.  IV.  That  said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  adopt  and  use 
one  common  seal,  and  the  same  to  break,  alter,  amend  and  renew  at 
pleasure. 

Sec.  v.  That  said  corporation  by  the  name,  style  and  title  aforesaid 
shall  be  able  to  sue  and  be  used,  to  plead  and  be  impleaded  in  any  court 
of  law  or  equity,  or  before  any  justice  of  the  peace  or  alderman  in  all 
manner  of  suits,  complaints,  pleas,  matters  and  demands  of  whatever 
nature,  kind  or  form  the  same  may  be. 

Sec.  VI.  Tiiat  said  corporation  shall  have  full  power  to  make,  pass 
and  establish  by-laws  for  the  proper  administration  of  the  funds  and  the 
due  government  of  said  corporation;  provided,  that  said  by-laws  be  not 
repugnant  to  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States,  or  the  con- 
stitution or  laws  of  this  Commonwealth. 

Sec.  VII.  That  said  corporators  shall  compose  the  Board  of  Trustees 
of  said  corporation  until  the  next  regular  meeting  of  the  General  As- 
sembly of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  when 
two  trustees  in  addition  shall  be  elected  by  said  General  Asseml)ly  who, 
with  said  corporators,  shall  constitute  thereafter  a  full  Board  of  Trustees 
who  shall  be  divided  into  three  classes,  of  three  members  each,  in 
alphabetical  order,  and  whose  term  of  office  shall  expire  as  follows,  to 
wit:  the  term  of  office  for  the  first  class  shall  expire  on  the  first  Tuesday 
of  July,  A.  D.  one  thousand  eight  bundled  and  sixty-one;  the  term  of 
office  of  the  second  class  shall  expire  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  July,  A.  D. 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-two;  and  the  term  of  office  of  the 
third  class  shall  expire  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  July,  A.  D.  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  sixty-three.  Further,  said  General  Assembly  shall, 
at  their  regular  meeting  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
sixty-one,  and  annually  thereafter,  elect  three  persons  to  serve  as  trus- 
tees to  supply  the  places  of  those  whose  term  of  office  shall  expire  as 
aforesaid  ;  provided,  however,  that  on  failure  to  elect  trustees  as  afore- 
said, or  in  case  of  deatli,  resignation  or  other  inability,  those  remaining 
in  office  shall  have  full  power  to  fill  such  vacancies  until  the  next  regu- 
lar meeting  of  tlie  General  Assembly. 

Sec.  viii.  That  five  members  of  this  corporation  shall  constitute  a 
quorum,  and  be  a  sufficient  number  to  transact  the  business  of  said 
corporation,  to  make  by-laws,  rules  and  regulations,  whose  regular 
meetings  shall  be  on  the  first  Tuesdays  of  July,  October,  January  and 
April;  provided,  that  previous  to  any  special  meeting  of  said  corpora- 
tion not  appointed  by  adjournments,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  officer 
calling  a  meeting  to  cause  notice  to  be  sent  by  mail  to  each  member  ten 
days  prior  to  such  meeting,  and  said  corporation  may,  as  often  as  shall 


GENERAL    ASSEMBLY.  173 

be  prescribed  by  the  by-laws,  elect  from  said  Board  of  Trustees  a  presi- 
■dent,  vice-president,  secretary,  treasurer,  or  other  officers. 

Sec.  IX.  TJiat  all  questions  before  said  corporation  shall  be  decided 
by  a  majority  of  the  trustees  present,  and  said  corporation  shall  keep 
regular  and  fair  entries  of  their  proceedings,  and  a  just  account  of  their 
receipts  and  disbursements  in  a  book  or  books  kept  for  that  purpose, 
and  the  treasurer  shall  exhibit  to  said  General  Assembly,  at  each  reg- 
ular meeting,  an  exact  state  of  the  accounts  of  said  corporation.  Vol. 
I,  p.  334,  1861. 

2.  Oflacers  of  the  General  Assembly,  Order  of  Business,  Ac- 
See  Rules  of  Order. 

3.  Time  of  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  General  Assembly.— 

[Thougii  there  is  no  law  on  this  point,  usage  has  fixed  the  fourth 
"Wednesday  of  May  as  the  time  for  the  annual  meeting  of  tlie  General 
Assembly.] 

4.  Ratio  of  Representation  in  the  General  Assembly.— i?e- 

solved.  That  for  the  present  the  ratio  of  representation  as  fixed  by  the 
Twelfth  General  Synod  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church  be,  and  the 
same  hereby  is  adopted  and  continued  in  the  United  Church  as  follows: 
Every  Presbytery  containing  two  ministers  shall  be  entitled  to  send  one 
minister  and  one  ruling  elder;  every  Presbytery  containing  five  minis- 
ters shall  be  entitled  to  send  two  ministers  and  two  ruling  elders  ;  every 
Presbytery  containing  eight  ministers  shall  be  entitled  to  send  three 
ministers  and  three  ruling  elders  ;  every  Presbytery  containing  fourteen 
ministers  shall  be  entitled  to  send  four  ministers  and  four  ruling  elders; 
every  Presbytery  containing  more  than  fourteen  ministers  shall  be  en- 
titled to  send  for  each  additional  four  ministers,  one  minister  and  one 
ruling  elder.     Vol.  I,  p.  31,  1859. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  General  Assembly  be  composed  of  commis- 
sioners from  the  Presbyteries  according  to  the  proportion  proposed  by 
the  Book  of  Discipline  now  in  overture.     Vol.  1,  p.  123,  1860. 

Resolved,  That  the  next  General  Assembly  be  constituted  on  the 
basis  of  representation  recognized  in  our  proposed  Book  of  Government 
and  Discipline.     Vol.  I,  p.  226,  1861.     [For  ratio  adopted,  see  p.  22.] 

[After  the  Book  of  Government  and  Discipline  was  adopted,  a  com- 
mittee was  appointed  by  the  Assembly  to  consider  the  propriety  of  re- 
ducing the  ratio  of  representation,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  422,  1872.  This 
committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  but  no  action  seems  to  have 
been  taken,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  515,  1873.] 

[The  Presbytery  of  Keokuk  requested  the  General  Assembly  "  to  so 
change  the  basis  of  representation,  that  the  ministers  only  who  are 
actually  engaged  in  the  work  of  the  ministry,  be  counted  in  the  basis  of 
representation."] 

It  is  submitted  that  the  rights  and  privileges,  pertaining  to  the  min- 
isterial office,  are  not  founded  on  the  exercise  of  that  office.  By  ordi- 
nation to  the  office  of  the  ministry,  authority  to  govern,  as  well  as  to 
teach,  is  conferred.  The  non-exercise  of  the  right  to  teach  does  not  in 
any  way  affect  the  right  to  govern.  Since  the  above  desired  regulation 
would  infringe  upon  the  ordained  prerogatives  of  the  ministry  ;  there- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  the  request  can  not  be  granted.  Vol.  IV,  p.  440, 
1877. 


174  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

[The  Presbytery  of  Omaha  asked  tliat  the  General  Assembly  submit 
an  overture  for  the  change  of  the  basis  of  representation  from  seven  to 
ten  ministers.     The  Assembly  took  the  following  action  :] 

While  many  good  and  substantial  reasons  may  be  urged  in  support  of 
the  petition  in  the  line  of  economizing  money  and  time,  and,  in  many 
cases  even,  of  the  more  efficient  transaction  of  the  actual  business  of 
the  Assembly;  yet  we  believe  that  the  increased  moral  and  S[)iritual  in- 
fluence, resulting  from  the  larger  Assembly,  will  more  than  compensate 
for  all  the  loss  sustained.  Up  to  the  point  where  the  Assembly  l)ix-omes 
too  unwieldly  to  transact  its  business,  its  efficiency  in  doing  the  work  of 
the  Church  is  increased,  and  believing  that  this  point  has  not  yet  been 
reached. 

Resolved,  That  the  petition  be  not  granted.     Vol.  YII,  p.  631.  1891. 

5.  The  Number  of  Ministers  in  the  Presbytery  to  be  Stated 
in  the  Credentials  of  Commissioners. — Resolved,  That  the  clerk  of 

each  Presbytery  be  directed  to  state  on  the  face  of  credentials  to  the 
Assembly,  the  number  of  ministers  in  his  Presbytery.  Vol.  I,  p.  500, 
1863. 

6.  Alternates  of  Commissioners. — [During  the  calling  of  the 

Roll  the  right  of  an  alternate  from  the  Presbytery  of  Keokuk,  but  not 
of  the  absentee  in  the  order  of  their  names,  to  a  seat  in  the  Assembly, 
was  called  in  question.  The  Assembly  decided  that  he  was  not  entitled 
to  a  seat.     Vol.  VI,  pp.  5,  8,  1884.] 

[Several  persons  who  were  not  reported  by  the  Clerks  of  Presbyter- 
ies as  delegates  or  alternates,  asked  to  have  their  names  put  on  the  roll, 
in  the  absence  of  other  representatives.] 

Resolved,  That  in  the  failure  of  the  Presbytery  to  appoint  an  alter- 
nate, the  General  Assembly  cannot  admit  one  to  a  seat  as  a  Commis- 
sioner.    Vol.  VII,  pp.  201,  221,  1889. 

7.  Expenses  of  Commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly.— 

See  Delegate  Fund. 

8.  Commissioners  to  the  General  Assembly  should  not  Ab- 
sent Themselves. — Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  deprecates  and 
hereby  expresses  its  un(jualiHed  disapprobation  of  the  course  pursued  by 
members  in  absenting  themselves  from  the  Assembly,  except  in  cases 
of  extreme  emergency,  and  recommends  to  Presbyteries  the  election,  as 
commissioners,  of  such  members  only  as  pledge  themselves,  God  will- 
ing, to  remain  and  attend  closely  to  the  business  during  the  entire 
meeting.     Vol.  I,  p.  115,  1860. 

9.  Appellate  Power  given  to  the  General  Assembly  in  Cases 

of  Discipline.  —  [Tiie  Book  of  Government  of  the  Associate  Reformed 
Church,  accepted  at  the  time  of  the  Union,  restricted  appeals  in  cases 
of  discipline  to  the  Synods.  An  amendment  to  the  Book  of  Govern- 
ment and  Discipline,  giving  appellate  power  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly in  cases  of  discipline,  was  submitted  to  the  Presbyteries  as  a  separate 
overture.  Vol.  I,  p.  351,  1862.  This  overture  was  adopted  by  the 
following  vote:  ayes,  327;  nays,  158;  not  voting,  4.  Vol.  1,  p.  490, 
1863.] 

10.  Fund  of  the  General  Assembly. — Resolved,  That  a  fund  be 

created,  to  be  called  "  The  Fund  of  the  General  Assembly,"  to  which 
our  congregations  are  enjoined  to  contril)ute  annually.  Vol.  I,  p.  37, 
1859. 


HILL  S    CASE.  175 

II.  Printing,  Stationery,  &c.,  for  the  Assembly.— Hesoh-ed,  7. 

That  the  clerks  be  authorized  to  give  warrants  for  the  payment  of  bills 
for  printing,  stationery,  and  other  expenses  necessary  to  the  work  of  the 
General  Assembly.     Vol.  IV,  p.  453,  1877. 

XLIX.  GORDON'S  APPEAL. 

[Rev.  Henry  Gordon  and  others  appealed  from  a  decision  of  the 
Synod  of  New  York  in  the  case  of  J.  M.  Hall,  carried  up  by  appeal 
from  Uie  Presbytery  of  Argyle.  This  appeal  Avas  declared  "not  admis- 
sible," because  the  appellants  were  not  original  parties  in  the  case,  and 
because  the  interests  of  truth  and  righteousness  were  not  injuriously 
affected  by  the  decision  of  Synod.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  420,  1872.  This  case 
was  brought  before  the  Assembly  of  1873  by  the  memorial  of  Rev.  G. 
M.  Wiley,  who  claimed  that  the  result  of  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of 
1872  was  to  send  tlie  case  of  J.  M.  Hall  back  to  the  Synod  of  New  York 
for  adjudication,  and  that  the  said  Synod  had  refused  to  take  up  and 
issue  the  case  ;  and  who  asked  the  Assembly  to  require  the  Synod  to 
take  up  the  case.  This  memorial  was  disposed  of  as  follows  :J  From 
an  examination  of  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  last  year,  your  com- 
mittee do  not  understand  said  action  as  referring  the  case  back  to  the 
Synod  for  final  adjudication;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  request  of  the  memorialist  be  not  granted.  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  547,  1873. 

L.     GRANT'S  APPEAL. 

[Alex.  Grant  appealed  from  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  New  York  to 
the  General  Assembly  of  1888,  but  in  the  unavoidable  absence  of  the 
appellant,  the  case  was  laid  on  the  table  until  the  next  Assembly,  and 
in  1889,  was  again  continued.] 

The  appeal  of  Alex.  Grant  was  taken  from  the  table.  *  *  The 
appeal  was  not  sustained.  Vol.  VII,  p.  423,  1890.  [There  is  nothing 
in  the  record  to  indicate  the  ground  of  the  appeal  or  the  principles  in- 
volved.] 

LI.     GREEN'S  APPEAL. 

[The  appeal  of  Adam  Green  from  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  Illinois 
was  "dismissed  as  irregular,"  because  there  was  nothing  to  show  that 
the  appellant  had  furnished  a  copy  of  his  reasons  of  appeal,  either  to  the 
moderator  or  clerk,  within  the  time  required  by  law,  or  afterwards. 
Vol.  II,  p.  394,  1867.] 

LII.     HILL'S  CASE. 

[Rev.  R.  A.  Hill,  a  member  of  the  Presbyterty  of  Sialkot,  presented 
a  memorial  to  the  Assembly,  complaining  of  the  action  of  the  Pres- 
bytery, which  refused  to  admit  him  to  sacramental  communion  on  the 
ground  of  his  views  on  the  subject  of  intercommunion,  and  then  sus- 
pended him  for  declining  their  authority.  The  following  action  was 
taken:] 

Resolved,  1.  That,  without  expressing  any  opinion  as  to  the  views  of 


176  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Rev.  R.  A.  Hill  on  the  question  for  which  he  was  suspended  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Sialkot,  this  Assembly  deem  the  action  of  said  Pres- 
bytery in  suspending  Mr.  Hill,  when  he  had  declared  that  he  would  not 
agitate  the  question,  or  preach,  or  teach,  contrary  to  the  principles  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Churcii,  so  long  as  he  remained  in  her  connec- 
tion, as  irregular  and  unwarrantable;  and,  therefore,  that  the  suspension 
fihould  be  removed. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  direct  the  said  Presbytery  to  furnish  Rev.  R. 
A.  Hill,  at  his  request,  with  an  attested  copy  of  their  whole  minutes  in 
his  case. 

3.  Tiiat  the  Assembly  recommend  the  Presbytery,  in  case  Rev.  R. 
A.  Hill  should  come  to  the  conclusion  that  it  is  his  duty  to  unite  with 
another  branch  of  the  church,  to  take  no  further  action  in  his  case  than 
to  strike  his  name  from  their  roll. 

4.  That  this  Assembly  is  not  prepared  to  express  any  opinion  as  to 
the  charges  made  against  Mr.  Hill,  subsequent  to  the  10th  of  April, 
which  charges,  the  Presbytery  expressly  declare  are  not  mentioned  in 
their  final  action  as  proved,  but  as  charges  to  which  he  was  liable. 

5.  That  should  Mr.  Hill  continue  as  a  member  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Sialkot,  he  be  specially  enjoined  to  pursue  the  things  that  make  for 
peace. 

6.  That  this  action  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  not  be  construed 
as  giving  any  countenance  to  unrestricted  communion.  Vol.  I,  p,  231, 
1861. 

[Tills  case  came  before  the  Assembly  of  1862,  by  a  protest  and  peti- 
tion of  the  members  of  the  Sialkot  Presbytery,  who  complained  that  the 
case  came  before  the  Assembl)'  of  1861,  without  their  knowledge,  and 
without  an  opportunity  of  their  being  heard  in  their  own  defense,  and 
that  the  action  of  the  Assembly  was  based  on  a  misapprehension  of 
Presbytery's  action.     The  following  action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  1.  Tliat  the  Presbytery  be  directed  to  restore  Mr.  Hill  to 
his  former  standing  upon  declaring  his  willingness  to  submit  to  the 
authority  of  Presbytery,  and  declaring  his  resolution  to  abide  by  our 
professed  principles  on  the  subjects  that  have  occasioned  these  troubles, 
and  to  study  the  things  that  make  for  peace. 

2,  That  if  any  of  the  parties,  that  is,  Mr.  Hill  or  any  other  member 
of  the  mission,  cannot  accede  to  this  as,a  final  end  to  all  their  disastrous 
troubles,  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  be  directed  to  recall  him  or 
them  from  tiie  field,  and  take  measures  to  supply  their  places,  that  this 
once  prosperous  mission  be  restored  to  the  confidence  and  support  of  the 
church.     Vol.  1,  p.  354,  1862. 

[The  Presbytery  attached  other  conditions  to  those  required  by  the 
Assembly.  Mr.  Hill  refused  to  withdraw  his  declinature,  and  appealed 
to  the  Assembly,  when  the  following  action  was  taken:] 

■liesolved,  1.  That  the  appeal  of  Mr.  Hill  is,  in  some  respects,  irregu- 
lar; yet,  considering  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  case,  we  think  it 
will  be  expedient  to  give  judgment  respecting  it. 

2.  That  the  appeal  of  Mr.  Hill  be  sustained,  so  far  as  relates  to  the 
form  in  which  the  questions  of  the  Presbytery  were  proposed  to  him. 

3.  That  it  be  not  sustained  so  far  as  relates  to  his  refusal  to  withdraw 
his  declinature. 


HOME    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  177 

4.  That  his  case  be  now  issued. 

5.  That  on  Mr.  Hill's  declaring  his  acquiescence  in  the  directions  of 
the  Assembly  of  18G2,  and  also  his  withdrawal  of  his  declinature  of  the 
authority  of  the  Presbytery  of  Sialkot,  he  be  restored  to  good  standing 
in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 

The  moderator  then  read  to  Mr.  Hill  the  resolution  of  the  Assembly 
requiring  him  to  withdraw  his  declinature,  to  which  he  responded  in  the 
affirmative.  He  also  read  to  him  the  act  of  the  last  Assembly,  to  which 
he  expressed  his  agreement.  The  following  resolution  was  then 
adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  the  answer  of  Mr.  Hill  be  considered  satisfactory,  and 
that  he  be  declared  in  good  standing  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 

The  following  was  adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  the  clerk  be  directed  to  furnish  Mr.  Hill  with  a  certi- 
fied extract  of  the  minute  in  his  case,  and  that  any  Presbytery  under 
the  care  of  this  Assembly,  to  which  he  may  apply,  is  authorized  to  re- 
ceive him  as  in  regular  standing.     Vol.  I,  p.  492,  1863. 

LIII.     HOME  MISSIONS,  BOARD  OF. 
1.  Charter  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions.— [Ordered  by  the 

Assembly,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  405,  1872;  granted  by  the  Court  of  Commoa 
Pleas  of  Allegheny  county,  Pennsylvania,  March  21,  1874,  and  re- 
corded in  the  office  for  the  recording  of  deeds,  &c.,  in  said  county,  on 
the  10th  day  of  April,  1874,  in  charter  book  Vol.  IV,  p.  511.] 

Article  i.  Be  it  remembered  that  John  G.  Brown,  William  J.  Reid, 
A.  G.  Wallace,  Wm.  J.  Robinson,  J.  W.  Witherspoon,  W.  S.  Owens, 
R.  A.  Cunningham,  James  McCutcheon,  S.  Mahood  and  G.  M.  Reed, 
and  their  successors,  elected  and  appointed  as  hereinafter  directed,  being 
citizens  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  are  hereby  associated 
under  the  name  and  title  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  and  by  said  name  and  title 
shall  have  succession,  and  be  able  and  capable  in  law  to  sue  and  be  sued, 
plead  and  be  impleaded  in  any  court  or  courts,  and  in  all  causes  and 
matters  whatsoever  ;  to  make  and  use  a  common  seal,  and  to  alter  and 
renew  the  same  at  pleasure  ;  to  purchase,  receive,  acquire,  hold,  use  and 
dispose  of,  for  the  purpose  and  objects  herein  named,  lands,  tenements, 
rents,  annuities,  franchises,  moneys,  goods,  chattels  and  hereditaments; 
to  make  rules,  by-laws  and  ordinances  not  repugnant  to  the  constitution 
and  laws  of  the  United  States,  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  Com- 
monwealth of  Pennsylvania,  or  to  this  instrument. 

Article  ii.  The  object  of  this  corporation  shall  be  the  publication 
and  extension  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  on  the  continent  of  North 
America,  subject  to  the  authority  and  direction  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  and  in  accord- 
ance with  the  authorized  standards  and  usages  of  said  United  Presby- 
terian Church,  by  the  employment  and  support  of  ministers  and  mis- 
sionaries, and  by  other  lawful  and  appropriate  means. 

Article  hi.  Tlie   officers   of  the   corporation   shall  be  a  president, 
vice-president,  secretary  and  treasurer,  and  such  other  officers  and  agents 
as  may  be  from  time  to  time  required. 
12 


178  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Article  iv.  The  corporation  sluill  consist  of  the  following  persons 
and  their  successors,  viz.:  Rev.  J.  W.  Witherspoon,  S.  Mahood  and 
James  McCutcheon,  who  have  been  elected  and  appointed  members  of 
said  Board  to  serve  until  tlieir  successors  shall  be  elected  in  the  year 
1874,  as  provided  in  Article  v  of  this  instrument :  Rev.  A.  G.  "Wallace, 
Rev.  Wm.  J.  Robinson  and  G.  M.  Reed,  who  have  been  appointed  to 
serve  until  their  successors  shall  be  elected  in  like  manner,  in  the  year 
1875  ;  Rev.  Wm.  J.  Reid,  W.  S.  Owens  and  R.  A.  Cunningham,  who 
have  been  appointed  to  serve  until  their  successors  shall  be  elected  in 
like  manner,  in  the  year  187G  ;  and  the  corresponding  secretary  elected 
by  the  General  Assembly  of  said  United  Presbyterian  Church  (now 
being  the  Rev.  Jolin  G.  lirown)  and  his  successor  in  odice  sliall  be  ex- 
officio  a  member  of  said  Board,  and  tive  of  said  members  or  their  suc- 
cessors in  otHce  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  busi- 
ness. Said  Board  shall  once  in  each  year  exhibit  to  the  General  As- 
sembly of  said  United  Presbyterian  Church  an  exact  statement  of  its 
accounts,  funds  and  property. 

Article  v.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  North  America  shall,  in  the  year  1874,  and  annually  there- 
after, elect  three  persons  as  members  of  this  corporation,  to  serve  for  a 
period  of  three  years  ;  and  in  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  membership 
thereof  by  reason  of  death,  resignation  or  other  cause,  the  remaining 
members  of  said  Board  shall  elect  a  person  to  fill  the  unexpired  term, 
provided,  however,  that  such  election  shall  be  reported  to  the  next  Gen- 
eral Assembly. 

Article  vi.  The  officers  and  agents  of  this  corporation  shall  be 
elected  or  ap])ointed  from  time  to  time  in  such  manner  and  for  such 
term  as  shall  be  prescribed  in  the  by-laws. 

2.  Constitution  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions.— [A  constitu- 
tion for  the  Board  of  Home  IMissions  was  adopted,  Vol.  I,  p.  45,  1859, 
but  it  was  superseded  by  the  general  constitution  of  the  Boards,  and  the 
following  new  constitution:] 

1.  This  Board  shall  be  styled  ''  The  Board  of  Home  Missions  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,"  and  shall  be  located 
in  the  city  of  Pittsburgh. 

2.  The  general  supervision,  under  the  direction  and  control  of  the 
General  Assembly,  of  the  whole  work  of  home  missions,  shall  be  en- 
trusted to  the  general  committee  of  home  missions,  which  shall  be  com- 
posed of  one  delegate  from  each  Presbytery  of  the  Church,  elected 
annually  by  the  Presbytery.  The  general  committee  shall  annually 
make  a  distribution  of  the  men  and  means  placed  at  its  disposal,  and 
take  action  upon  any  other  matters  affecting  the  cause  of  home  missions, 
being  governed  in  its  proceedings  by  the  "Rules  for  the  Regulation  of 
Home  Mission  Work."  It  shall  be  the  special  duty  of  the  Board  of 
Home  Missions  to  carry  out  the  plan  of  operations  recommended  by  the 
general  committee,  and  revised  and  adopted  by  the  General  Assembly. 
The  Board  shall  have  charge  and  oversight  of  the  work  of  home  mis- 
Bions,  and  shall  have  power  to  meet  emergencies  arising  during  the  year. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  23,  1874. 

[Amended  by  the  adoption  of  the  following:] 

2.  There  shall  be  added  to  the  General  Committee  one  delegate  from 


iiomp:  missions,  board  of.  179 

the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  to  be  .elected  annually  by  tlie  Board 
Vol.  V,  p.  23,  1879.  ^ 

3.  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions.— [Regulations 

tor  the  Board  ot  Home  Missions  were  adopted.  Vol.  1,  p.  40,  1859   and 

^^'^^^'^''^^'m'^'''-  ^'  '*•  ^^^'  ^*^^^''  ^'«'-  ^'  I'-  240,  1861;  Vol.  II,  p.'olS, 
l»bS.  lliese  regulations  as  thus  amended  were  superseded  by  the  fol- 
lowing new  regulations:] 

1.  Regulations   you  PRESBYXKniKS 1.  Each   Presbytery  shall 

appoint,  annually,  one  delegate  to  represent  it  in  the  general  committee 
of  home  missions.  If  it  be  possible  to  avoid  it,  Presbyteries  shall  not 
appoint  as  delegates  persons  receiving  or  expecting  aid  from  the  home 
mission  lund. 

2.  Presbyteries  shall  report  annually,  not  later  than  tlie  20th  of 
April,  to  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Boord  of  Home  Missions: 
[Amended  so  as  to  read :  within  five  days  after  their  spring  meetings, 
but  not  later  than  the  20th,  etc.     Vol.  VI,  p.  71 1,  1887.] 

(o)  The  names  of  mission  stations  for  which  aid  is  needed,  and  the 
amount  which,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery,  should  be  granted  to 
eacli  one.  ° 

{b)  Tlie  number  of  missionaries  whose  services  they  desire  for  the 
next  year. 

(c)  The  names  of  all  unsettled  ministers  and  probationers  connected 
with  the  Presbytery,  who  are  suitable  and  willing  to  receive  appoint- 
ments.  ^ ' 

((/)  Answers  to  any  questions  which  the  Assembly  may  authorize  to 
be  addressed  to  them. 

(e)  The  names  of  delegates  to  the  General  Committee. 

[These  reports  are  to  be  made  by  the  superintendents  of  missions  of 
the  several  Presbyteries.     Vol.  VI,  p.  4G8,   1886.] 

3  In  making  recommendations  for  aid.  Presbyteries  shall  observe 
4^V  i8--'l°  ''"^''^  ■   '-^''"'  ^""'■"'"^'^  °^  application  for  aid,  see  Vol.  IV,  p. 

(0)  No  station  shall  be  recommended  in  which  the  contributions  of 
the  people  are  not  in  reasonable  proportion  to  their  ability,  nor  shall 
any  amount  be  asked  beyond  what,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery, 
IS  really  necessary.  "' 

{h)  Whenever  practicable,  mission  stations  and  congregations  shall 
be  grouped  together  in  convenient  pastoral  charges,  and  no  station  shall 
be  recommended  tor  aid  which  can  be  conveniently  united  with  a  neicrh- 
boring  station  or  congregation  in  one  charge,  for  which  no  help  would 
be  necessary. 

4.  No  station  or  congregation,  not  contributing  to  the  Boards  of  the 
Church,  or  which  obtaining  aid  from  the  Board  of  Church  Extension 
refuses  the  required  security,  shall  receive  aid. 

,.i-  I'i'esbyteries  shall  assign  the  missionaries  appointed  to  them  to 
ditterent  stations  as  they  may  judge  best,  and  shall  be  under  obligations 
to  keep  them  employed,  or  otherwise  to  pay  them  at  the  re'^ufar  per 
diem.  o  f 

6.  Leave  to  supply  themselves  shall  not  be  granted  to  stations  and 
vacancies  when  such  permission  would  leave  without  employment  mis- 
sionaries assigned  to  the  Presbytery,  and  willing  to  fulfill  appointments. 


180  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

7.  Presbyteries  shall  not  Tse  under  obliojation  to  find  employment  for 
men  not  appointed  to  labor  in  their  bounds,  or  merely  referred  back  to 
them. 

8.  When  a  missionary  is  settled  by  any  Presbytery,  who  has  unful- 
filled missionary  appointments  outside  its  bounds,  that  Presbytery  shall 
supply  his  place  out  of  the  appointments  made  for  it,  if  there  be  any. 

9.  In  case  any  missionary  shall  fail  to  fulfill  his  appointments,  with- 
out giving  satisfactory  reasons,  the  Presbytery  concerned  shall  report 
the  facts  to  his  Presbytery. 

10.  Each  Presbytery  shall  nominate,  annually,  to  the  General 
Assembly,  one  of  the  ministers  connected  with  it,  for  appointment  as 
superintendent  of  missions  for  the  Presbytery.  It  shall  be  his  duty  to 
superintend  the  mission  work  in  his  Presbytery;  to  obtain  a  quarterly 
report  from  stations  receiving  aid,  and  from  missionaries  laboring  in  the 
Presbytery;  to  make  a  quarterly  report,  in  the  form  approved  by  the 
Assembly,  to  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Board  of  Home  Mis- 
sions; to  receive  from  the  treasurer  of  the  Board,  receipt  for,  and  dis- 
tribute the  money  appropriated  to  aid  congregations  and  stations,  and 
in  oreneral  to  act  as  the  organ  of  communication  between  the  Board  and 
the  Presbytery,  and  perform  such   duties  as  the  Assembly  may  direct. 

11.  Regulations  FOR  THE  Geneual  Committee — 1.  The  general 
committee  of  home  missions  shall  meet  annually,  at  or  near  the  place 
appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  seven  working  days  before 
the  session  of  the  Assembly  begins.  A  majority  of  delegates,  duly  ap- 
pointed by  Presbyteries,  shall  be  a  quorum. 

2.  The  general  committee  when  assembled,  shall  be  called  to  order 
by  the  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  who 
shall  be,  ex-officio,  pernjanent  secretary  of  the  general  committee  and 
shall  preside  until  an  organization  is  effected.  He  shall  call  the  roll, 
and,  if  a  quorum  be  found  present,  the  organization  shall  be  completed 
by  the  election  of  a  chairman  and  an  assistant  secretary. 

3.  The  business  of  the  general  committee  may  be  taken  up  m  the 
following  order : 

(a)  Consideration  of  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Board,  so  far  as 
necessary. 

(b)  Appropriation  of  money. 

(c)  Distribution  of  men. 

(d)  Miscellaneous  business. 

4.  On  the  second  day  of  the  meeting  two  committees  shall  be  ap- 
pointed, the  members  of  which  shall  be  nominated  by  the  chairman, 
viz.: 

(a)  A  committee  on  special  missions. 

(b)  A  committee  on  resolutions  and  recommendations  to  the  As- 
sembly. 

[Eesolved,  That  the  General  Committee  shall  appoint  a  standing 
Committee  on  New  Stations,  to  which  shall  be  referred  all  applications 
for  aid  to  such  places.     Vol.  V,  p.  561,  1882.] 

5.  In  the  appropriation  of  money  the  general  committee  shall  keep 
in  view  the  interests  of  tlie  whole  field  and  the  relative  importance  and 
necessities  of  the  different  parts.  The  following  order  of  procedure 
may  be  observed : 


HOME    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  Ibl 

(a)  Fix  the  maximum  amount  to  be  appropriated. 

(b)  Take  up  the  application  of  Presbyteries  in  the  order  in  which 
they  stand  on  the  secretary's  record  of  reports. 

(c)  As  each  Presbytery  is  taken  up  hear  the  delegate  from  that 
Presbytery,  taking  care  to  ascertain  that  the  rules  relating  to  recom- 
mendations for  aid  have  been  observed,  and  then  take  action  on  each 
separate  application. 

(d)  When  the  list  has  been  gone  through,  the  appropriations  may  be 
revised,  if  it  is  found  necessary. 

6.  In  the  distribution  of  men,  also,  the  general  committee  shall  keep 
in  view  the  interests  of  the  whole  field,  and  the  relative  claims  of  dif- 
ferent parts.  Appointments  shall  not  be  made  for  less  than  three 
months,  except  in  the  case  of  probationers  expecting  to  return  to  the 
theological  seminary.  Care  shall  be  taken  that  the  appointments  of  a 
missionary  be  not  unnecessarily  scattered,  and  his  reasonable  wishes,  if 
known,  shall  be  regarded  so  far  as  the  circumstances  of  the  case  will 
permit.     The  following  order  of  proceeding  may  be  observed  : 

(a)  Take  up  the  names  of  missionaries  separately,  in  the  order  in 
which  they  are  entered  on  the  secretary's  book  as  reported  by  Presby- 
teries. 

(b)  The  delegate  from  the  Presbytery  reporting  the  name  may  be  heard. 

(c)  Applications  for  his  services  may  be  received.  If  there  are 
several,  they  shall  be  noted  by  the  secretary  or  his  assistant  in  the  order 
in  which  they  are  recognized  and  announced  by  the  chairman. 

(d)  Hear  statement  of  claims  from  the  different  Presbyteries  in 
order  as  noted,  and  any  other  remarks. 

(c)  The  vote  shall  then  be  taken.  The  following  order  in  taking 
the  vote  is  recommended  where  there  are  several  applications :  I. 
Let  the  request  of  competing  Presbyteries  be  arranged  and  voted  on  in 
order  as  follows:  Those  covering  the  whole  year;  those  for  more  than 
one  quarter;  those  for  the  several  quarters  in  order.  2.  If  for  any  of 
these  periods  there  are  competing  requests,  let  the  vote  in  favor  of  each 
competing  Presbytery  be  taken  by  raising  the  hand,  or  by  rising,  and 
let  tlje  highest  vote  decide. 

7.  Under  the  head  of  miscellaneous  business,  the  general  committee 
shall  receive  and  act  upon  the  reports  of  committees,  and  take  such 
action  as  may  be  thought  proper  on  any  matter  relating  to  the  home 
mission  work. 

8.  When  all  business  is  thus  transacted,  a  full  report  of  the  proceed- 
ings shall  be  prepared.  This  report  shall  be  signed  by  all  the  officers, 
and  shall  be  presented  to  the  Assembly  as  soon  as  possible  after  the 
opening  of  its  sessions,  for  revision  and  final  adoption.  If  possible  the 
whole  report  shall  be  printed  and  copies  distributed  among  the  members 
of  the  Assembly,  before  it  comes  up  for  action. 

III.  Regulations  for  the  Board 1.  The  Board  of  Home  Mis- 
sions shall  meet  on  the  second  Monday  of  every  month.  At  the  first 
meeting  after  the  adjournment  of  the  General  Assembly  in  each  year, 
they  shall  elect  from  their  own  number  a  president  and  a  recording 
secretary  to  serve  one  year.  They  shall  elect  a  treasurer,  at  the  same 
time  and  for  the  same  term,  and  shall  require  from  him  such  security 
as  may  be  judged  necessary. 


182  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

2.  It  shall  be  tlie  duty  of  the  Board  to  carry  out  the  measures  adopted 
l)y  tlie  General  Assembly,  from  year  to  year;  to  take  general  supervis- 
ion and  control  of  the  work;  to  meet  emergencies  arising  during  the 
year;  and  to  make  safe  and  proper  investment  of  all  funds  int(;nded  by 
the  donors  or  ordered  by  tlie  General  Assembly  to  be  invested. 

3.  The  Board  is  forbidden,  exce])t  in  case  of  extreme  necessity,  to 
grant  appropriations  of  money  to  any  station  whose  application  for  the 
current  year  has  been  considered  and  rejected  by  the  general  committee 
or  the  Assembly. 

4.  Near  the  close  of  each  quarter,  the  corresponding  secretary  shall 
forward  to  the  superintendents  of  missions,  blanks  in  the  form  approved 
by  tlie  General  Assembly,  for  quarterly  reports.  When  the  reports  are 
received,  lie  shall  number  them  in  the  order  of  date  of  the  application, 
and  shall  draw  orders  on  the  treasurer  nnmbered  in  the  same  order,  for 
the  amount  due  to  each  Presbytery.  In  determining  the  amount  due, 
those  stations  only  shall  be  counted  which  are  reported  by  the  superin- 
tendent of  missions  as  having  fulfilled  the  conditions  of  the  grant. 

a.  The  treasurer  shall  pay  the  orders  drawn  by  the  corresponding 
secretary  in  the  order  of  their  number.  He  shall  pay  the  amount  due 
to  each  Presbytery  to  the  superintendent  of  missions  for  that  Presby- 
tery. He  shall  not  pay  out  any  of  the  funds  in  his  hands  without  an 
order  from  the  corresponding  secretary,  or  from  the  President  and  re- 
cording secretary  of  the  Boar^l. 

G.  As  a  general  rule  no  money  shall  be  paid  upon  any  appropriation 
to  which  unfulfilled  conditions  are  attached,  without  the  authority  of  the 
Board.  The  Board  is  required  to  exercise  great  caution  in  removing 
or  changing  the  conditions  attached  to  grants  of  money,  and  shall  not 
do  so  in  any  case  unless  upon  the  formal  re(iuest  of  the  proper  Presby- 
tery, accompanied  by  a  statement  of  reasons,  entirely  satisfactory  to 
the  Board. 

7.  Before  the  meeting  of  the  general  committee  of  home  missions  in 
each  year,  a  full  rej)ort  shall  be  prei)ared  and  adoi)ed  by  the  Board,  de- 
tailing its  operations  during  the  year;  the  conditions,  prospects,  and 
necessities  of  the  work  entrusted  to  its  care,  and  the  recjuest  of  Presby- 
teries for  men  and  money  for  the  ensuing  year;  together  with  such 
recommendations  as  may  be  thought  proper.  This  report  shall  be 
printed,  laid  before  the  general  committee  of  home  missions  on  the  first 
day  of  its  meeting,  and  also  before  the  Assembly. 

8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  corresponding  secretary,  before  each 
meeting  of  the  general  committee,  to  make  out  a  roll  of  its  members 
fro:i'  the  official  reports  received  by  him  from  Presbyteries. 

9.  The  Board  shall  see  that  the  accounts  of  the  treasurer  are  properly 
audited  at  the  close  of  each  A'ear,  and  that  this  is  ])roperly  certified 
upon  his  annual  report. 

IV.  MiscELLANEors  Regl'LATIOXs 1.   All  contributions  for  home 

missions  siiould  be  forwarded  through  tiie  financial  agent  of  the  Presby- 
tery to  the  treasurer,  and  the  financial  agent  shall  forward  to  the 
treasurer  at  least  once  per  (juarter. 

2.  Ministers  engaged  in  secular  employment  shall  not  receive  aid 
from  tiie  home  mission  funds. 

.3.   Missionaries  assigned  to  any  Presbytery  shall  be  for  the  time  sub- 


HOME    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  183 

ject  to  the  control  of  that  Presbytery  and  sliall  not  leave  its  bounds 
without  permission.  In  case  of  inability  to  fulfill  appointments,  it  shall 
be  their  duty  to  notify  the  superintendent  of  missions. 

4.  Missionaries  are  earnestly  exhorted  to  the  performance  of  pastoral 
-duty  in  the  stations  to  which  they  may  be  sent.  They  shall  make  a  re- 
port of  tl)eir  labors  at  the  end  of  each  quarter  to  the  superintendent  of 
missions  of  llie  Presbytery,  statinjj  the  time  spent  at  each  place  ;  what 
amount  of  pastoral  work  has  been  done;  whether  they  have  been  fully 
paid  so  far  as  it  was  tlie  duty  of  stations  to  pay  them,  and  any  other 
facts  of  importance.     Vol.  IV,  p.  159,  1875. 

4.  Amendments  to  the  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Home 

Missions. — Resolved,  o.  Tliat  m  tiie  second  rule  of  tiie  regulations 
for  Presbyteries  with  reference  to  home  mission?,  sections  {b)  and  fc) 
be  rescinded,  and  the  following:  adopted,  viz.:  That  Presi)yteries  be  re- 
quired to  re{)ort  each  year  the  names  of  all  unsettled  ministers  and 
licentiates  under  their  care  who  may  be  able  and  suitable  for  work,  lo 
the  jreneral  committee  of  home  missions,  for  appointment,  and  also  all 
vacant  congreprations  and  mission  stations  under  their  care,  together 
with  the  amount  of  preaching  they  may  desire  and  are  able  to  make 
provision  for  during  the  coming  year.     Vol.  IV,  p.  339,  1876. 

Besohed,  [by  the  General  Committee,]  That  the  Assembly  be  re- 
quested to  restore  the  rule,  [Regulations  for  Presbyteries,  2,  c]  which 
required  Presbyteries  ''  to  report  tlie  names  of  all  unsettled  ministers 
and  |)robationers  connected  with  Presbytery,  who  are  suitable  and  will- 
ing to  receive  appointments;"  and  that  Pi-esbyteries  be  urged  to  carry 
out  the  spirit  of  this  rule.  Vol.  VII,  p.  259,  1889.  [Adopted  by  the 
Assembly,  p.  212.] 

5.  Special  Missions. — Resolved,  l.  That  at  its  next  meeting,  and 
annually  thereafter,  the  General  Committee  shall  designate  what  mis- 
sions shall  be  regarded  as  special  missions,  and  shall  refer  such  stations 
to  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  for  a  given  term  of  yeais  in  each  case; 
and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Board  to  make  appropriations  of  money 
and  appointments  of  missionaries  to  such  missions  during  the  specified 
term.     Vol.  V,  p.  22,  1879. 

4.  That  in  order  to  preserve  as  far  as  possible  the  rights  which  the 
principles  of  Presbyterianism  give  to  the  people  to  choose  their  religious 
teachers,  it  shall  be  tiie  rule  governing  the  appointment  of  all  stated 
supplies,  that  no  appointment  shall  be  made  for  more  than  one  year, 
and  no  one  shall  have  a  second  appointment  to  a  position  unless  his  ser- 
vices have  been  asked  for,  or  are  known  to  be  desired  by  the  people  over 
whom  he  is  to  be  placed.     Vol.  V.,  p.  223,  1880. 

Whereas,  It  is  essential  to  the  plan  of  Sjiecial  Missions,  adopted  by 
the  last  Assembly,  tliat  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  should  be  able  to 
secure  the  services  of  the  most  efiicient  missionaries;  and. 

Whereas,  It  is  essential  that  the  rights  of  the  Presbyteries  which 
have  the  oversight  of  said  Special  Missions,  or  mission  congregations, 
be  preserved ;  tiierefore, 

Resolved,  8.  Tliat  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions 
lo  report  annually  to  the  General  Assembly  the  names  of  missionaries 
whose  services  they  have  secured  for  tlie  ensuing  ecclesiastical  year,  and 
the  several  stations  for  which  they  have  secured  them. 


184  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

9.  Before  sending  a  missionary  to  any  station,  tlie  Board  shall  obtain 
the  consent  of  the  Presbytery  having  supervision  of  the  said  station  or 
congregation. 

10.  In  the  interim  of  the  meetings  of  the  Assembly,  the  Board  shall 
have  power  to  appoint  missionaries  to  special  missions,  which  have  been 
committed  to  their  care,  provided  that  tlie  consent  of  the  Presbj'teries 
having  the  oversight  of  said  missions  shall  have  been  secured.  Vol.  V, 
p.  223,  1880. 

Resolved,  1.  Tliat  the  relation,  authority  and  duty  of  the  Presbytery 
to  any  of  its  churclies  referred  to  the  Home  Mission  Board  as  special 
missions,  are  not,  and  cannot  be,  annulled  or  modified  by  such  reference. 

2.  That  while  the  executive  duties  imposed  on  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions  do  not  deprive  Presbytery  of  any  of  its  authority,  or  release  it 
from  any  of  its  duties  in  earing  for  the  spiritual  interests  of  a  church 
which  has  been  made  a  special  mission,  the  organic  law  under  which 
the  Presbytery  holds  its  authority  requires  its  most  earnest  co-operation 
with  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  in  the  care  of  the  spiritual  interests 
of  such  church. 

3.  If,  during  any  part  of  its  term  as  a  special  mission,  the  Board  is 
unable  to  supply  a  missionary  to  such  church,  it  is  the  right  and  duty 
of  Presbytery  to  furnish  such  supply.     Vol.  VII,  p.  656,  1891. 

6.  Sliding-  Scale    of  Appropriations. — Resolved,  1.  That   the 

appropriations  to  all  stations  wliich  have  been  receiving  aid  for  ten  or 
more  years  shall  hereafter  be  reduced  annually  one-third  of  the  amount 
granted  in  1882,  or  of  the  last  preceding  appropriation. 

2.  That  the  appropriations  to  all  stations  which  have  been  receiving 
aid  for  from  five  to  ten  years  shall  hereafter  be  reduced  annually  not 
less  than  one-fifth  of  the  amount  granted  in  1882,  or  of  the  last  preced- 
ing appropriation. 

3.  That  the  appropriations  to  all  stations  which  have  been  receiving 
aid  for  less  than  five  years,  and  to  all  new  stations,  shall  hereafter  be 
reduced  annually  not  less  than  twenty  per  cent,  on  the  fifth  appropria- 
tion. 

4.  That  if  any  Presbytery  should  conclude  that  a  station  under  its 
care  ought  to  be  made  an  exception  to  the  above  rules,  it  shall,  at  least 
two  months  before  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly,  report  to  the 
Board  of  Home  Missions  all  the  facts  in  the  case,  and  the  Board  shall 
report  its  finding  of  the  facts,  together  with  its  judgment  thereon,  to  the 
General  Committee. 

5.  That  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  be  directed  to  introduce  the 
above  principles  into  the  regulations  governing  Home  Mission  work^ 
and  report  the  regulations  as  thus  amended  to  the  next  Assembly. 
Vol.  V,  p.  561,  1882. 

1.  That  the  Sliding  Scale  System  is  hereby  re-affirmed. 

2.  That  the  reduction  of  one-third  on  stations  which  have  received 
aid  ten  years  or  more,  be  changed  to  one-fourth. 

3.  That  Rule  No.  4,  which  requires  Presbyteries  to  present  cases  for 
exemption  from  the  operation  of  the  rules  to  the  Board  at  least  two 
months  before  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assembly,  be  modified  so  as 
to  read  "  Not  later  than  the  20th  of  April." 

4.  That  when  a  station  has  been  exempted  from  the  operation  of  the 


HOME    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  185 

rules,  the  amount  of  the  last  appropriation  made  shall  be  the  basis  on 
which  reduction  under  the  scale  shall  be  determined  thereafter.  Vol. 
V,  p.  766,  1883. 

2.  That  in  cases  where  congregations  have  been  in  good  faith  disor- 
ganized, and  afterwards  organized  in  more  favorable  circumstances,  the 
years,  during  which  aid  has  been  received,  sliall  be  counted  in  applying 
the  sliding  scale,  from  the  date  of  reorganization.  Vol.  VI,  p.  68, 
1884. 

1.  The  Board  advises  a  modification  of  the  rules  applying  the  slid- 
ing scale  so  as  to  require  uniformly  one-fifth  of  the  grant  upon  which 
the  reduction  begins,  as  the  reasons  for  any  other  scale  of  reduction  no 
longer  exist.  Therefore,  Resolved,,  that  Rule  No.  1,  applying  to  the 
sliding  scale,  be  repealed.     Vol.  VII,  p.  258,  1889. 

7.  Property  of  Congregations  Receiving  Aid  to  be  Secured 

to  the  Churcn. — Resolved,  That  as  a  condition  of  receiving  aid  from 
the  Home  Mission  fund,  Presbyteries  are  required  to  give  assurance  to 
the  Board  that  the  property  of  congregations  asking  aid  is  properly 
vested  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  that  as  far  as  possible 
they  have  complied  with  the  rule  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1873. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  472.  [This  rule  was  amended,  Vol.  V,  p.  741,  1883,  and 
again,  Vol.  VII,  p.  213,  1889,  and  is  as  follows: 

In  trust  that  the  said  premises  shall  be  used  and  kept,  maintained 
and  disposed  of  as  a  place  of  divine  worship,  for  the  use  of  the  ministers 
and  members  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America, 
Bubject  to  the  Standards  and  Acts  of  said  Church,  as  from  time  to  time 
authorized  and  declared  by  the  General  Assembly  of  said  Church :  and 

in  case  the  United  Presbyterian  Congregation  of shall  cease  to 

exist,  be  dissolved,  or  cease  to  be  connected  with  and  subject  to  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  said  Church,  or  shall  lose 
its  corporate  existence,  the  trust  shall  terminate,  and  the  title  shall  vest 
absolutely  in  the  "Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,"  who  shall  then  have  the  right 
to  sell  and  convert  the  same  into  money  without  any  liability  of  the 
purchaser  to  see  to  the  application  of  the  proceeds  of  such  sale.  And 
whenever  in  the  judgment  of  the  said  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  it  shall  be  proper 
or  right,  for  any  cause,  to  terminate  such  trust  and  sell  or  otherwise 
dispose  of  the  said  property,  the  said  Trustees  may,  in  their  discretion, 
act  accordingly.] 

Resolved,  That  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  make  special  inquiry  in 
the  case  of  each  congregation  asking  aid,  whether  the  property  is  se- 
cured according  to  the  requirements  of  the  General  Assembly.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  259,  1889. 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Church  Extension  be  required  to  fur- 
nish the  Board  of  Home  Missions  with  a  statement  of  the  congregations 
to  which  aid  has  been  given  by  the  Board  of  Church  Extension,  and 
the  security  given  by  each  congregation  receiving  such  aid,  that  its 
property  siiall  not  be  alienated  from  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  472,  1877. 

8.  Consolidation  of  the  Boards  of  Home  Missions,  Church 
Extension  and  Freedmen's  Missions. — [The  First  Presbytery  of 


186  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Ohio  memorialized  the  Assembly,  Vol.  IV,  p.  636,  1878,  for  the  con- 
solidation of  the  Boards  of  Home  Missions,  Ciiurch  Extension  and 
Freedmen's  Missions,  the  organization  of  a  new  Board  of  two  members 
from  each  Synod  to  be  nominated  by  tlie  Synods  and  confirmed  by  the 
Assembly,  and  the  election  of  a  general  secretary  who  should  give  his 
•whole  time  to  the  work.     The  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved.,  That  the  memorial  of  the  First  Presbytery  of  Ohio  be  pub- 
lished, and  the  several  Presbyteries  report  their  views  on  this  subject  to 
the  next  Assembly  for  final  action.     Vol.  IV,  p.  570,  1878. 

The  vote  on  this  overture  is  as  follows:  Ayes,  97  ;  nays,  543  ;  not 
voting,  36.     Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  these  Boards  be  not  consolidated.  Vol.  V,  p.  23, 
187U. 

[A  memorial  from  a  missionary  convention  asked,  with  other  changes, 
the  consolidation  of  the  above  Boards.  It  was  referred  to  a  committee. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  413,  1890.  The  Committee  reported  against  tiie  consoli- 
dation.    Vol.  VII,  p.  732,  1891.] 

9.  Plan  for  Re-arranging  the  Work  of  the  Board  of  Home 

Missions. — [Tiie  Presbytery  of  IMansfield  asked  tiiat  a  change  be  made 
in  the  nietliod  of  carrying  on  the  home  mission  work,  by  distinguishing 
between  vacancies  which  do  not  require  aid  and  mission  stations;  and 
also  between  unsettled  ministers  and  licentiates,  and  those  properly 
enrolled  as  missionaries;  by  leaving  vacancies,  and  unsettled  ministers 
and  licentiates  not  enrolled  as  missionaries,  entirely  under  the  control 
of  their  own  Presbyteries;  by  organizing  a  corps  of  home  missionaries, 
carefully  selected,  and  wiio  will  agree  to  be  absolutely  subject  to  the 
appointment  of  the  Board  and  Assembly,  and  who  shall  receive  fixed, 
uniform  and  liberal  salaries;  by  appointing  missionaries  to  mission 
stations;  and  by  requiring  mission  stations  to  pay  their  contributions  for 
the  support  of  the  gospel  directly  to  the  treasury  of  the  Home  Mission 
Board.     The  following  action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  perfect  a  plan  by 
which  the  change  proposed  by  the  Presbytery  of  Mansfield  may  be 
carried  out;  that  this  committee  publish  their  report  in  the  papers  of 
the  church  by  the  first  of  February  next ;  and  that  the  several  Presby- 
teries present  their  views  on  this  subject  to  the  next  Assembly.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  570,  1878. 

Resolved,  9.  That  the  recommendations  contained  in  the  report  of  the 
Board  of  Home  Missions,  "  tiiat  the  Board  shall  have  the  entire  con- 
trol of  all  special  missions,  with  power  to  grant  all  appropriations  and 
designate  all  missionaries,"  be  referred  to  the  special  committee  to  pre- 
pare a  plan  for  re-arranging  the  work  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  572,  1878. 

\  Tiie  vote  on  this  overture  is  as  follows  :  Ayes,  40 ;  nays,  322  ;  not 
voting,  23.  There  are  22  Presbyteries  that  either  took  no  action,  or 
acted  only  on  a  certain  part,  or  parts  of  it. 

Resolved,  That  the  proposed  re-arrangement  be  not  made.  Vol.  V, 
p.  22,  1879. 

[A  memorial  was  presented  from  a  missionary  convention  asking  a 
change  in  the  home  mission  system.] 

Resolved,  5.   "That  this  Assembly  appoint  a  committee,  consisting  of 


HOME    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  187 

one  member  from  each  Synod,  and  the  Corresponding  Secretaries  of 
the  Boards  of  Home  Missions,  Church  Extension  and  Freedmen's 
Missions,  which  committee  shall  meet  and  consider  the  whole  subject  of 
changes  in  our  home  mission  system,  and  report  to  the  next  General 
Assembly."  Vol.  VII,  p.  413,  1890.  [The  committee  met  at  Indian- 
apolis,  Ind.,  and  prepared  a  report  to  the  Assembly.  Vol.  VII,  p.  732, 
1891.     The  following  action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  That be  appointed  a  committee  to  perfect  a  plan  in 

detail  by  which  the  changes  proposed  in  the  Home  Mission  system  by 
the  Indianapolis  Committee  can  be  carried  out;  that  this  committee 
publish  their  report  in  tiie  papers  of  the  Church  by  the  first  of  October 
next,  and  that  the  several  Presbyteries  present  their  views  on  the  sub- 
ject at  the  next  Assembly.     Vol.  VII,  p.  645,  1891. 

[For  the  report  of  this  Committee,  see  Vol.  VIII,  p.  113,  1892.  It 
was  adopted;  p.  30,  1892.  For  amended  Constitution  and  revised 
Regulations,  see  Appendix  to  this  Digest.] 

10.  The  Appointment  of  General  Missionaries.— ^e^o/yec?,  5. 

That  in  cases  of  special  necessity  for  missionary  service,  as  in  some  of 
the  frontier  Presbyteries,  the  Board  recommend  an  appropriation  of 
money  to  be  made  for  general  missionary  purposes,  it  being  understood 
that  the  work  of  exploration  and  of  visiting  distant  and  important 
stations  be  done  by  an  ordained  minister,  appointed  either  by  the 
Presbytery  or  by  the  executive  committee  at  the  request  of  the  Presby- 
tery ;  and  further,  it  is  recommended  that  the  appointment  of  a  man  to 
fill  the  place  of  a  settled  minister,  who  may  be  employed  in  the  work 
above  specified,  be  left  with  the  executive  committee.  Vol.  II,  p.  42, 
1864. 

Resolved,  4.  That  two  men  be  appointed  by  the  Board  a«»  general 
missionaries  for  the  territory  west  of  the  Mississippi  river,  to  explore 
and  preach,  and  with  the  consent  of  the' Presbytery  in  whose  bounds 
they  may  be  laboring,  to  organize  congregations  and  report  monthly 
their  work  to  the  Presbytery,  and  each  of  these  general  missionaries  to 
have  a  salary  of  $1,500  a  year.  Vol.  IV,  p.  339,  1876.  [The  ser- 
vices of  general  missionaries  were  dispensed  with.  Vol.  IV,  p.  472, 
1877.] 

12.  That  the  Board  employ  a  special  missionary  to  labor  under  their 
direction  in  exploring  and  developing  new  fields,  especially  in  Western 
Kansas,  Western  Nebraska  and  Colorado.     Vol.  V,  p.  710,  1887. 

1.  That  in  accordance  with  the  judgment  of  the  Board,  concurred  in 
by  the  General  Committee,  and  by  the  missionary,  the  appointment  of  a 
special  missionary  be  discontinued.     Vol.  VI,  p.  58,  1888. 

11.  Presbyterial  Missionaries. — Resolved,  2.  That  the  Board  be 
authorized,  with  the  advice  and  co-operation  of  Presbyteries,  to  appoint 
Presbyterial  missionaries  to  devote  their  whole  time  to  missionary  work 
within  such  territorial  limits,  and  for  such  times,  as  the  necessities  of 
the  field  may  justify,  and  to  make  provision  for  their  support.  Vol. 
VI,  p.  59,  1888. 

12.  Stated  Supply  "Dq^Q^..— Resolved,  8.  That  by '' stated  sup- 
ply," shall  be  understood  hereafter  the  continuous  labors  of  a  missionary 
lor  not  less  than  three  months  in  one  place.     Vol.  II,  p.  177,  1865. 

2.  That  discretionary   power  be  given  the   Board  so  that  in  excep- 


188  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

tional  cases  the  appropriation  granted  by  the  Assembly  upon  condition 
of  Stated  supply  may  be  paid  when  preaching  and  pastoral  labor  have 
been  performed  in  one  charge  for  six  weeks  successively.  Vol.  V,  p. 
190,  1880. 

13.  Rule  for  the  Appointment  of  Stated  Supplies. — Resolved, 

4.  That  in  order  to  preserve  as  far  as  possible  the  rights  which  the 
principles  of  Presbyterianism  give  to  the  people  to  choose  their  religious 
teachers,  it  shall  be  the  rule  governing  the  appointment  of  all  stated 
supplies,  that  no  appointment  shall  be  made  for  more  than  one  year,  and 
no  one  shall  receive  a  second  appointment  to  a  position  unless  his  ser- 
vices have  been  asked  for  or  are  known  to  be  desired  by  the  people  over 
whom  he  is  to  be  placed.     Vol.  V,  p.  223,  1880.     [See  also  Sec.  24.] 

14.  Selection  of  Fields. — Resolved,  5.  That  Presbyteries  be  en- 
joined to  exercise  due  care  in  the  occupancy  of  new  fields,  and  select 
those  which  promise  the  best  immediate  results.     Vol.  V,  p.  724,  1883. 

4.  That  we  declare  it  to  be  unwise  to  establish  missions  in  places 
where  other  evangelical  churches  are  at  work  in  sufficient  force  to 
supply  the  religious  needs  of  the  community,  unless  there  be  special 
reasons  for  so  doing.     Vol.  VI,  p.  711,  1887. 

14.  A  Boarding  Place  to  be  Provided  for  Home  Missiona- 
ries.— Resolved,  3.  That  in  all  cases,  the  mission  station  or  vacancy,  in 
which  the  missionary  labors,  shall  carefully  endeavor  to  designate,  as 
far  as  possible,  a  fixed  and  convenient  boarding  place  during  the  time 
of  his  service  in  their  midst :  and  the  Presbyteries  shall  endeavor  to 
see  that  this  regulation  is  faithfully  carried  out.     Vol.  II,  p.  42,  1864. 

Resolved,  7,  That  the  question  of  boarding,  or  paying  their  [Home 
Missionaries']  boarding  be  referred  to  the  several  Presbyteries  to  deter- 
mine.    Vol.  V,  p.  352,  1881. 

16.  Per  Diem  of  Home  Missionaries. — Resolved,  That  eight  dol- 
lars be  allowed  to  missionaries  for  each  Sabbath  spent  in  missionary 
service.     Vol.  I,  p.  37,  1859. 

[In  reply  to  a  memorial  for  the  reduction  of  the  per  diem,  the  As- 
sembly refused  to  take  action.     Vol.  1,  p.  349,  1862. 

Presbyteries  were  directed  to  recommend  congregations,  as  far  as 
possible,  to  pay  ten  dollars  per  week.     Vol.  II,  p.  42,  1864. 

The  compensation  was  advanced  from  ten  to  twelve  dollars  per  Sab- 
bath.    Vol.  II,  p.  314,  1866. 

Two  Presbyteries  memorialized  the  Assembly  to  raise  the  per  diem 
from  twelve  to  fifteen  dollars.  The  memorials  were  not  granted.  VoL 
II,  p.  495,  1868.] 

The  per  diem  of  home  missionaries  should  not  be  less  than  fifteen 
dollars.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  534,  1873. 

Resolved,  That  the  per  diem  of  home  missionaries  be  fixed  at  twelve 
dollars.     Vol.  IV,  p.  37,  1874. 

17.  Presbyteries  are  to  Employ  and  Remunerate  the  Mis- 
sionaries assigned  them  by  the  Assembly. — Resolved,  l.  That  the 

Assembly  recognizes  it  as  the  duty  of  Presbyteries,  who  have  asked  and 
obtained  missionaries  from  the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  and  thereby 
prevented  their  receiving  appointments  in  other  Presbyteries  to  employ 
them,  and  to  the  extent  of  their  ability,  remunerate  them.  Vol.  I,  p. 
225,  1861. 


HOME    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OK.  189 

Resolved,  C.  That  whenever  a  missionary  is  appointed  to  a  Presbytery 
at  its  request,  that  Presbytery  be  required  to  make  up  to^  liim  for  any 
failures  there  may  be  in  it  to  give  him  appointments.  Vol.  II,  p.  42, 
1864. 

[See  also  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  for  Presby- 
teries, No.  5.] 

18.  Disabled  Home  Missionaries  may  Receive  Half-pay.— 

Resolved,  15.  That  missionaries  of  the  Home  Board  are  required  to  give 
themselves  wholly  to  the  work,  and  as  their  compensation  is  insufficient 
to  enable  them  to  lay  up  store  against  the  day  of  need, — 

16.  That  when  these  missionaries  are  broken  down  in  the  service  of 
the  church,  that  during  such  disability  they  shall  be  continued  on  half- 
pay,  at  the  discretion  of  the  executive  committee.  Vol.  II,  p.  314, 
1866. 

19.  Duties  of  Home  Missionaries.— -ffwoZret^,  4.  That  every  mis- 
sionary of  this  Board  be  required  not  only  to  furnish  the  ordinary  ser- 
vice of  the  Sabbath,  but  also  to  organize  and  attend  to  Sabbath  Schools 
and  prayer  meetings,  to  visit  and  catechise,  and  to  use  every  means 
which  he  conscientiously  believes  are  in  his  power  to  promote  the  mis- 
sionary work.     Vol.  II,  p.  42,  1864. 

Resolved,  4.  That  in  adopting  this  report,  the  Assembly  directs  all 
missionaries  to  fulfill  their  appointments,  unless  they  can  make  arrange- 
ments satisfactory  to  all  parties  concerned  to  be  released,  and  until  the 
Presbyteries  in  whose  bounds  they  propose  to  labor  shall  furnish  accept- 
able substitutes.     Vol.  IV,  p.  166.  1875. 

20.  Pastoral  Visitation   Defined.— i^esoZvetf,  That  by  pastoral 

visitation  is  understood  visitation  with  the  purpose  of  promoting  the 
spiritual  interests  of  those  visited,  and  not  simply  social  visitation.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  472,  1877. 

21.  Congregations  Grouped  for  Settlement. — Resolved,  5.  that 

the  General  Assembly  instruct  Presbyteries  that  they  should  group  their 
stations  wherever  practicable,  so  as  to  make  it  possible  to  employ  Mis- 
sionaries without  aid  from  the  Board,  and  that  pastoral  settlements  be 
encouraged  wherever  congregations  so  grouped  have  a  reasonable  pros- 
pect of  soon  becoming  self-sustaining.     Vol.  V,  p.  352,  1881. 

[The  General  Assembly  directed  the  attention  of  the  Presbyteries  to 
the  above  regulation]  so  as  to  secure  self-supporting  pastoral  charges, 
and  so  to  arrange  their  mission  work  as  to  secure  the  wisest  expenditure 
of  the  Church's  contributions.     Vol.  VII,  p.  258,  1889. 

22.  Appropriations  to  Pastors. — Resolved,  3.  That  when  an  ap- 
propriation is  made  to  a  place  in  which  there  is  a  settled  pastor,  it  shall 
be  regarded  as  on  condition  of  settlement,  and  ceases  when  the  relation 
is  dissolved.     Vol.  3,  p.  139,  1870. 

23.  The  Board  to  Keep  a  Roll  of  Missionaries — Resolved,  3. 

The  Board  of  Home  Missions  is  hereby  authorized  to  secure  and  keep 
on  record  the  names  of  ministers  and  licentiates  who  are  willing  to  labor 
as  home  missionaries,  and  to  furnish  to  Presbyteries  the  names  of  such 
as  may  be  available  to  labor  in  mission  fields  within  their  respective 
bounds.     Vol.  VII,  p.  258,  1889. 

24.  Appointments  for  a  Y%d.V.— Resolved,  4.  As  a  general  rule  a 
missionary  shall  not  be  appointed  to  a  Presbytery  for  less  than  a  year. 


190  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

"When  one  is  found  to  be  available  and  suitable  for  any  particular  field, 
the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  with  the  endorsement  and  co-operation  of 
the  Presbytery,  may  appoint  him  to  that  field,  to  be  continued  from 
year  to  year  as  may  be  found  advisable.      Vol.  VII,  p.  258,  1889. 

25.  Delinquent  Appointees  to  be  Reported. — Resolved,  7.  That 

Superintendents  of  iVlissions  be  directed  to  report  delinquent  appointees 
to  their  respective  Presbyteries,  in  order  that  tiiey  may  be  called  to  ac- 
count for  their  delinquency.      Vol.  VI,  j).  242,  1885. 

26.  Election  of  Delegates  to  the  General  Committee.— i?e- 

solved,  2.  Tliat  Presbyteries  be  reciuested  to  ek'ct  delegates  to  the  Gen- 
eral Committee  as  early  in  the  year  as  practicable,  and  provide  for  hav- 
ing them  fully  informed  in  regard  to  tlie  congregations  and  stations  for 
which  missionaries  or  grants  of  money  are  to  be  asked.  Vol.  VI,  p. 
711,  1887. 

27.  Aid  Withheld  if  a  Church  is  not  "Rmli.— Resolved,  3.  That 

the  Board  be  authorized  to  wilhiiold  aid  from  any  congregation  that 
has  been  organized  over  three  years  without  having  taken  steps  in  good 
faith  to  erect  a  church  buildinjr.      Vol.  VI,  p.  468,  1886. 

28.  Women  to  be  Employed  as  Missionaries. — Resolved,  A. 

That  we  recognize  with  pleasure  the  efficiency  of  women  as  missionaries 
in  our  home  mission  field,  and  encourage  the  employment  of  such  valu- 
able aid.     Vol.  VII,  p.  460,  1890. 

29.  Representative  of  the  Board  of  Church  Extension  in 

the  General  Committee. — Reaohed,  8.  That  the  Corresponding  Sec- 
retary of  the  Board  of  Ciiurch  Extension,  or  some  representative  of  that 
Board,  be  directed  to  meet  each  year  with  the  General  Committee  of 
Home  Missions,     Vol.  VII,  p.  413,  1890. 

30.  Instrumental   Music  in   Mission  Stations.— See  Church 

Music. 

31.  Warm  Spring's  Indian  Mission. — See  Indians. 

32.  The  Corresponding  Secretary  to  Visit  the  Theological 

Seminaries. — ResuU-ed,  3.  Tliat  the  Corresponding  Secretary  be  re- 
quested to  visit  the  Theological  Seminaries  and  present  the  claims  of 
Home  Mission  work  >to  the  students  and  urge  upon  them  the  duty  of 
entering  upon  this  work.     Vol.  VII,  p.  258,  1889. 

LIV.     HUTCHISON'S  APPEAL. 

[Revs.  W.  R.  Hutchison  and  J.  "W.  Dorrance  appealed  from  a 
decision  of  the  Synod  of  Kansas.  It  appeared  that  Sec.  4,  Art.  3, 
Chap.  XII,  of  the  Book  of  Discipline,  had  not  been  complied  with,] 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  case  be  dismissed  on  the  ground  of  irregularity. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  28,  1888. 

LV.     INDIANS. 

Missions  Among  the  Indians. — [A  committee  appointed  by  the 
Fifth  General  Assembly  on  the  propriety  of  establishing  a  mission 
among  the  aborigines  of  our  country,  reported :]  From  the  disturbed 
condition  of  the  tribes  on  our  northern  and  southwestern  borders,  from 
the  means  needed  to  carry  on  our  missionary  enterprises  in  other  quar- 


INDIANS.  191 

ters,  and  the  provision  already  made  by  other  churches  for  the  religious 
instruction  of  tribes  in  the  peaceful  parts  of  our  land,  we  are  prepared 
to  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  : 

Resolved,  That  there  is  not,  at  present,  sufficient  encouragement  to 
justify  the  Assembly  in  establishing  a  mission  among  the  aborigines. 
Vol.  II,  p.  4,  1864. 

Resolved,  IG.  That  the  executive  committee  of  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions  be  instructed  to  inquire  into  the  practicability  and  desirable- 
ness of  establishing  a  mission  in  connection  with  our  church  among  the 
American  Indians ;  and  should  the  executive  committee  deem  it  best,  it 
is  hereby  authorized  to  begin  the  work  at  once,  it  being  the  un- 
derstanding that  all  the  expenses  will  be  borne  by  the  United  States 
Government,  and  that  we  shall  only  be  expected  to  furnish  the  mission- 
aries.    Vol.  Ill,  p.  2G4,  1871. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  executive  committee  of  the  Board  of  Home  Mis- 
sions be  directed  to  consider  the  wants  of  the  Indians,  and,  if  they  deem 
it  advisable,  that  they  establish  a  mission  among  our  North  American 
Indians.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  405,  1872. 

Resolved,  7.  That  this  General  Assembly  take  whatever  steps  are 
necessary  to  secure  from  the  General  Government  the  transfer  of  the 
fiuperintendency  of  the  Warm  Springs  Indians,  in  Oregon,  to  the 
United  Presbytefian  Church,  and  that  the  secretary  of  the  Board,  in 
conjunction  with  Rev.  S.  G.  Irvine,  D.  D.,  of  Albany,  Oregon,  be  ap- 
pointed to  secure,  if  possible,  such  transfer.     Vol.  IV,  p.  339,  1876. 

[The  assignment  of  the  "Warm  Springs  Indians  to  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church  was  secured,  and  the  mission  was  undertaken.  The 
missionary  was  appointed  in  1877,  and  arrived  at  the  field  early  in 
May,  1878.  In  1879  there  were  63  members.  Voh  IV,  p.  604,  1878  ; 
Vol.  V,  p.  52,  1879.  The  missionary  resigned,  and  it  was  found  diffi- 
cult to  obtain  another,  and  therefore  the  Assembly  gave  the  Board  dis- 
cretionary power  as  to  the  continuance  of  the  mission.  Vol.  V,  p. 
766,  1883.  The  following  Assembly  directed  further  effiart  to  secure  a 
missionary,  but  in  case  of  failure  to  secure  a  missionary  within  a  reas- 
onable time,  the  Board  was  empowered  and  instructed  to  relinquish  the 
charge  of  the  mission.  Vol.  VI,  pp.  67,  68,  1884.  A  missionary  was 
obtained,  and  the  work  was  prosecuted.     Vol.  VI,  p.  259,  1885.] 

Mission  Buildings. — [The  General  Assembly  requested  the  Board 
of  Ciiurch  Extension  to  erect  the  necessary  premises.  Vol.  VI,  1885. 
The  Board  reported  that  the  buildings  had  been  erected.  The  As- 
sembly took  the  following  action  :] 

Resolved,  4.  That  we  now  commit  this  property  to  the  care  of  the 
Board  of  Home  Missions.     Vol.  VI,  p.  669,  1887. 

Contract  for  the  Schools. — Resolved,  That  the  Board  be  directed 
to  prosecute  the  endeavor  to  get  the  management  of  the  school  work 
under  contract  with  the  Government.  Vol.  VI,  p.  710,  1887.  [The 
following  Assembly  authorized  the  Board  to  perfect  its  contract  with  the 
Government,  and  provided  for  the  expenses  involved.  Vol.  VII,  p. 
58,  1888.  In  consequence  of  the  change  of  policy  in  the  management 
of  the  schools  by  the  Government,  no  further  effort  was  made  in  regard 
to  the  control  of  the  schools.] 

Transfer  of  the  Mission  to  the  Women's  Board.— ^[The  Board 


192  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

was  authorized  to  complete  the  neo^otiations  for  the  transfer  of  the  mis- 
sion to  the  care  of  tlie  Women's  Auxiliary  Board,  to  be  prosecuted  as  a 
special  work,  under  tiie  primary  jurisdiction  of  the  Oregon  Presbytery. 
Vol.  VII,  pp.  451,  460,  1890.  This  transfer  was  made  under  the  fol- 
lowing regulations :] 

*'  Resolved,  That  this  work  is  hereby  transferred  to  the  "Women's 
Board,  with  the  following  understanding: 

"  1.  This  action  takes  effect  from  July  1,  1890. 

"  2.  In  the  management  of  the  work  tlie  Women's  Board  shall  sus- 
tain to  the  Presbytery  of  Oregon,  to  which  the  primary  control  and  sup- 
ervision of  the  AVarm  Springs  Indian  Mission  belongs,  the  same  relation 
now  sustained  by  the  Board  of  Home  Missions. 

"  3.  The  house  erected  at  Warm  Springs  Agency  as  a  home  for  the 
missionary  shall  be  held  by  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  in  trust  for  the 
Women's  Board  ;  the  free  use  of  said  house  to  be  given  to  the  Mission- 
ary as  heretofore,  and  in  case  of  sale  the  proceeds  of  the  entire  property 
to  be  paid  to  the  Women's  Board. 

"  4.  All  stated  reports  from  the  missionaries  and  all  applications  on 
behalf  of  the  mission  shall  be  made  to  the  Women's  Board,  through  the 
Presbytery  of  Oregon,  and  payments  shall  be  made  and  accounts  kept 
by  the  Women's  Board. 

"  5.  The  Women's  Board  shall  annually,  in  the  month  of  April, 
make  to  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  a  general  statement  of  the  condi- 
tion of  the  mission  and  of  the  cost  of  its  support  during  the  year  ending 
with  the  31st  of  March  preceding. 

*'  6.  When  missionaries  are  to  be  appointed  or  removed,  and  in  all 
other  cases  involving  changes  in  the  mission  work  or  in  the  methods  of 
its  management,  the  Women's  Board  shall  not  take  final  action  until  the 
matter  has  been  submitted  to  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  for  counsel 
and  advice. 

"  7.  The  Board  of  Home  Missions  agrees  to  give  advice  and  assist- 
ance, when  called  upon,  in  the  management  of  the  work."  Vol.  VII, 
p.  670,  1891. 

LVI.     JEWS. 

Missions  Among'  the  Jews. — Resolved,  That  *  *  *  be  a  com- 
mittee, whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  inquire  regarding  the  accessibility  of 
the  Jewish  people  in  the  United  States  to  the  influence  of  a  simple  Bible 
Christianity,  and  to  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly  ;  and  if  the 
result  of  their  inquiry  be  favorable,  also  to  report  any  other  facts  of  im- 
portance, as  connected  with  such  missionary  enterprise,  and  designate, 
if  in  their  power,  a  suitable  person  or  persons  for  the  work.  Vol.  I,  p. 
157,  1860. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  recommending  the 
establishment  of  a  mission  among  the  Jews  in  the  city  of  New  York, 
Vol.  I,  p.  306,  1861,  when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  former  committee  be  continued,  and  that  they 
issue  an  appeal  in  behalf  of  the  Jews  of  our  own  land  through  the  peri- 
odicals of  the  church,  embodying  the  facts  in  their  report,  and  asking 
special  contributions  for  their  benefit. 


JEWS.  198 

2.  That  the  contributions  thus  obtained  be  used  for  the  obtaining  and 
circulating  such  a  Christian  literature  as  is  likely,  by  the  blessing  of 
•God,  to  benefit  the  Jew. 

3.  Tiiat  they  continue  their  inquiries  in  reference  to  the  accessibil- 
ity of  the  Jews,  and  the  best  means  of  reaching  them  with  a  knowledge 
of  the  Saviour,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly.     Vol.  I,  p.  219,  1861. 

[On  the  recommendation  of  this  committee  the  following  resolutions 
were  adopted  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  pastors  of  congregations  be  instructed  to  preach,  as 
soon  as  convenient,  a  discourse  presenting  to  their  people  the  claims 
which  the  Jews  in  general,  and  those  of  them  resid-ent  in  the  United 
States  in  particular,  have  upon  the  church,  and  urging  the  duty  of  con- 
tributing for  tlieir  special  benefit. 

3.  Tiiat,  should  the  state  of  the  treasury  warrant  such  action  before 
the  next  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  the  executive  committee  of  the  Board 
of  Home  Missions  be  authorized  to  employ,  at  such  salary  as  may  seem 
proper,  an  agent  to  labor  amonir  the  Jews  in  New  York,  Philadelphia  or 
Cincinnati.     Vol.  I,  p.  439,  1862. 

Hesolced,  1.  That  this  Assembly  hereby  expresses  its  continued  inter- 
est in  the  saving  conversion  of  the  Jews,  and  its  desire  to  have  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  enter  upon  the  work  of  their  evangeliza- 
tion whenever  it  is  believed  God  has  opened  up  the  field  and  raised  up 
the  man  or  the  men  to  enter  in  and  occupy  it. 

2.  That  this  Assembly  have  confidence  in  Rev.  Abraham  C.  Tris  as 
a  minister  of  Christ  and  a  friend  of  Israel,  and  recommend  him  to  the 
"work  of  visiting  the  churches  and  of  endeavoring  to  excite  in  all  who 
love  our  Lord  .Jesus  Christ  a  new  or  a  deeper  interest  in  the  salvation 
of  this  long  outcast  and  painfully  spiritually  needy  people.  Vol.  II,  p. 
13,  1864. 

Resolved,  1.  That  ministers  be  recommended  to  preach  to  our  people 
on  the  history  and  condition  of  the  Jews  as  they  illustrate  the  provi- 
dence ot  God,  and  the  fulfillment  of  prophecy,  and  upon  their  prospect- 
ive conversation  and  its  influence  upon  the  churcii  and  the  world. 

2.  That  special  collections  be  taken  up  in  all  our  churches  for  the 
'estal)lishment  of  a  fund  for  the  mission,  and  that  the  supervision  of  this 
fund  be  entrusted  to  the  executive  committee  of  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions. 

3.  That  Rev.  A.  C.  Tris  be  appointed  to  labor  as  a  missionary 
among  the  Jews,  under  the  First  Presbytery  of  New  York,  and  that  he 
be  paid  by  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  at  the  rate  of  $800  per  annum. 
Vol.  II,  p.  168,  1865. 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly  recognize  it  to  be  our  duty  as  a 
<!hurch,  as  God  gives  us  ability  and  opportunity,  to  seek  after  the  lost 
sheep  of  the  house  of  Israel  in  our  midst. 

2.  That  the  mission  to  the  Jews  be  placed  under  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions. 

3.  That  Rev,  A.  C.  Tris  be  assigned  to  the  First  Presbytery  of  New 
Y^ork,  to  labor  es])ccially  among  tlie  Jews,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Presbytery,  and  that  $1,000  be  appropriated  from  the  home  mission 
fund  for  the  support  of  the  missionary  for  the  year.  Vol.  II,  p.  315, 
1866. 

13 


194  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEAIBLY, 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  Jewish  mission  in  the  city  of  New  York  be  for 
the  present  abandoned,  and  Rev.  A.  C.  Tris  be  refenvd  to  the  execu- 
tive committee  with  a  view  to  employ  him  as  a  missionary  in  a  com- 
munity of  Hollanders.     Vol.  II,  p.  410,  18G7. 

[A  paper  from  the  American  Christian  Society  for  promoting;  Chris- 
tianity amon^  the  Jews  was  referred  to  a  special  comniiilcc,  Vol.  Ill, 
p.  113,  1870.  This  committee  presented  a  report  vhidi  was  noi 
adopted.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  139,  1870.] 

LVII.     KNIGHTS  OF  LABOR. 

[The  following;  report  was  adopted  :] 

The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures,  to  which  was  ri'iriifd  the 
memorial  of  the  Presbytery  of  Albany,  finds  it  impossible  to  irpdri  any- 
thing of  a  decided  cliaractt-r  in  regard  to  those  associations,  known  as 
"  Knights  of  Labor,"  and  other  kindred  associations,  becaust-  we  have 
no  adequate  knowledge  of  their  true  character,  or  of  tiie  forms  and  ex- 
tent of  the  obligations  whicli  are  assumed  at  the  time  of  initiation. 

There  is,  however,  too  much  reason  to  believe  that  these  associations 
require  a  surrender  of  j^ersonal  liberty  to  act  in  accoi'dance  with  llie  in- 
dividual's own  conscience  of  right  and  wrong,  and  hence  are  an  en- 
tanglement and  a  snare,  wliich  we  earnestly  counsel  all  our  members  to 
avoid. 

Your  committee  would  have  the  Assembly  direct  all  our  sessions  to 
carry  out  the  rules  of  our  church  in  dealing  with  any  members  who  have 
joined,  or  who  may  be  about  to  join,  any  of  the  associations  in  que.-iion, 
as  they  shall  obtain  such  positive  information  as  will  enable  them  to  act 
intelligently  in  the  case. 

We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following,  viz.: 

Resolved,  Tliat  we  enjoin  upon  all  our  members  to  abstain  from  con- 
nection with  any  association  which  might  lead  to  acts  of  violence,  or  to 
the  invasion  of  the  rights  of  property,  or  interference  with  the  liberty 
of  men  to  engage  in  honest  labor  wheie  and  when,  and  for  whomsoever 
they  may  choose.     Vol.  VI,  p.  436,  1886. 

LVIII.     LEGACIES. 
1.  Permanent  Investment  of  Legacies. — Your  committee  are 

unanimous  in  recommending  to  the  ditlerent  Boards  of  the  church  the 
setting  aside  of  all  legacies  and  bequests  as  a  permanent  investment, 
believing  that  the  or<iinary  expenses  of  the  Boards  should  be  paid  out 
of  the  annual  contributions  of  the  church  ;  believing  also  that  if  such  a 
disposition  could  be  maile  of  bequests,  a  mut:h  larger  sum  would  be 
given  to  the  Boards  ;  and  that  in  a  few  vcjii-s  these  investments  would 
become  endowments.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  270,  1871. 

Resolved,  Tliat  tjje  Trustees  of  this  Assembly  be,  and  here!)y  are,  in- 
structed to  invest  an}'  becjuest  tliej'  may  i-eceiveoii  behalf  of  tlie  Assem- 
bly, and  until  otlierwise  ordered,  appropriate  the  i-evenues  only  to  the 
general  work  of  the  church.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  419,  1872. 

[A  committee  was  appointed  by  the  Assembly  of  1872  to  report  an 
answer  to  the  question  :  "  Shall  Boards  to  wiiich  bequests  are  made,  in- 
vest and  use  the  income  only,  or  at  once  use  the  entire  legacy  ?"     Vol. 


LEGACIES.  196 

III,  pp.  416,  417,  1872.  This  committee  presented  the  following  re- 
port, which  was  adopted  :]  All  legacies  or  bequests  left  to  tlie  General 
As-^embly,  or  any  of  tlie  Boards  of  the  church,  should  be  held  as  sacred 
trusts,  and  used  or  disposed  of  only  as  directed  by  the  testator  ;  but 
when  left,  as  is  frequently  the  case,  without  specific  directions  to  the 
Trustees  of  the  Assembly  or  the  Boards  of  the  church,  such  bequests 
may  be  used  temporarily,  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, when  all  such  legacies,  together  with  all  the  facts  connected* 
with  the  same,  shall  be  reported  to  the  Assembly,  and  be  subject  to  its 
direction  and  order.  Your  committee  would  also  express  the  opinion, 
that  unless  urgent  exigencies  re(]uire  the  immediate  use  of  bequests, 
thev  should  be  invested  in  undoubted  securities,  and  the  interest  only 
used.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  r>46,  1873. 

6.  That  we  recommend  and  direct  that  all  moneys  belonging  to  the 
church,  which  are  not  accompanied  by  limitations  or  restrictions,  shall 
be  kept  for  tlie  use  of  the  chui-ch,  invested  in  such  available  securities 
as  can  on  short  notice  be  converted  into  cash.      Vol.  V,  p.  199,  1880. 

7.  That  the  Board  [of  Foreign  Missions]  be  authorized  to  invest 
temporarily  any  bequest  that  may  come  into  their  hands,  which  may  be 
used  as  collateral  security  in  borrowing  money  in  case  of  emergency,  and 
also  to  use  so  far  as  necessary  said  bequests  after  careful  examination  of 
each  case,  in  extending  operations  in  fields  already  occupied,  in  securing 
necessary  buildings  and  providing  such  helps  and  apj)liances  as  are 
judged  necessary  to  the  prosperity  and  success  of  the  mission  cause  ;  and 
that  so  far  as  practicable  these  grants  be  made  proportionately  between 
the  two  mission  fields.     Vol.  V,  p.  192,  1880. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  bequests  now  made  to  this  Board  [of  Home 
Missions]  be  permanently  invested,  and  the  interest  annually  appropri- 
ated to  the  work  of  the  Board.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  428,  1872. 

Resolved,  That  hereafter  any  bequest  made  to  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions  that  is  not  especially  designated  by  the  testator  for  investment 
may  be  used  to  meet  the  current  expenses  of  the  Board.  Vol.  Ill,  p. 
565,  1873. 

[A  bequest  was  made  to  the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  by  Archibald 
Stewart,  Esq.  A  part  of  this  was  used  to  pay  indebtedness  and  meet 
the  current  expenses.  The  Assembly  authorized  the  Board  to  invest 
the  remainder,  and  use  the  principal  only  in  extraordinary  cases,  at  its 
discretion.     Vol.  V,  p.  190,  1880.] 

Resolved,  6.  That  the  General  Assembly  direct  the  legacy  of  Archi- 
bald Stewart,  Esq.,  to  be  set  apart  as  a  reserve  fund  of  the  13oard,  from 
which  temporary  loans  may  be  made  to  meet  pressing  emergencies,  and 
that  the  management  of  said  legacy  be  left  with  the  Board,  under  such 
restrictions  as  the  Assembly  may  see  fit  to  impose.  Vol.  V,  p.  352, 
1881. 

2.  General  Rule  Concerning- Bequests. — Resolved,!.  That  when 

a  bequest  is  made  to  the  General  Assembly,  or  its  Trustees,  for  mission- 
ary purposes,  the  Trustees  be  directed  to  appropriate  it  to  the  Boards  of 
Foreign  Missions,  Home  Missions,  Freedmen's  Missions  and  Churchi 
Extension,  in  the  proportion  in  which  the  appropriations  were  made  for 
these  Boards  by  the  preceding  General  Assembly. 

2.  That  when  a  bequest  is  made  to  the  General  Assembly  without 


J  96  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

iiny  limitation,  it  be  applied  to  all  the  Boards  and  to  the  General 
-Assembly's  fund,  on  the  same  principle.     Vol.  IV,  p.  449,  1877. 

LIX.     LICENSURE. 

1.  Presbyteries  to  Exercise  Care  in  Licensing  Students. — 

Mesoloed,  Tliat  the  Presbyteries  be  enjoined  to  exercise  tenderly,  but 
faithfully,  their  authority  in  judginjr  of  the  piety,  mental  gifts  and  ac- 
<juirements,  and  general  fitness  for  the  office,  of  all  candidates  for  the 
.ministry;  to  give  them,  during  the  progress  of  tiieir  studies,  the  full 
benefits  of  a  seminary  course,  as  also  of  such  oversight  as  it  belongs  to 
Presbyteries  to  take  of  their  theological  students  ;  and  that  they  be  es- 
j)ecially  enjoined  to  guard  agaiiist  premature  licensures,  or  whatever 
would  unnecessarily  come  short  of  the  established  conditions  of  licensure. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  528,  1873. 

Resolved,  That  Presbyteries  be  enjoined  to  adhere  more  strictly  to 
ihe  instructions  of  the  General  Assembly  in  the  licensure  of  young  men. 
Wol.  IV,  p.  450,  1877. 

Jieso/ved,  That  as  an  able  as  well  as  a  godly  ministry  is  of  the  ut- 
tinost  importance  to  our  success  as  a  church,  this  General  Assembly 
earnestly  exhort  all  our  Presbyteries  to  exercise  the  greatest  care 
Ml  training  men  for  the  office  of  tlie  ministry.     Voh  IV,  p.  592,  1878. 

2.  Presbyteries  to  Maintain  Uniformity  in  Licensing  Students. 

'[In  response  to  a  memorial  from  certain  persons,  the  Assembly  adopted 

■.the  following:] 

The  memorialists  represent  that  while  the  Book  of  Government  and 
Discipline,  Part  1.,  Chap.  V,  Sec.  2,  requires  that  in  ordinary  cases  no 
student  of  theology  shall  be  admitted  to  trials  for  license  until  he  has 
completed  a  course  of  theological  study  of  three  full  years  after  the  time 

-of  his  admission  by  the  Presbytery,  it  is  a  well-known  fact  that  many 
students  "receive  license  at  the  end  of  their  second  year."  Such  dis- 
regard of  the  law  of  the  church  on  this  subject  is  on  many  accounts 
'dee|)ly  to  be  deplored.  That  law  is  a  wise  provision  to  guard  the  in- 
troduction of  persons  into  her  ministry  before  they  are  fitted  by  previous 
theological  training  for  rightly  expounding  and  dividing  the  Word  of 
Truth.  Uniformity  in  its  enforcement  is  of  highest  imf)Ortance  ;  other- 
wise it  becomes  a  dead  letter.  If  some  of  the  Presbyteries  of  the  church 
violate  this  law,  its  obsei-vance  by  other  Presbyteries  is  of  little  or  no 
iivail,  and  the  end  for  which  it  has  been  placed  in  our  Book  of  Govern- 

.'Mient  and  Discipline  has  been  defeated. 

Therefore,  your  Committee  recommend  to  the  Assembly  the  follow- 
ing for  adoption : 

Resolved,  That  all  our  Presbyteries  be  and  are  hereby  earnestly  en- 
joini-d  to  conform  in  letter  and  in  spirit  to  the  law  of  the  church  touch- 
i«ig  the  licensure  of  candidates  for  the  gospel  ministry.  Vol.  V,  p.  538, 
1882. 

3.  Theological  Students  not  to  be  Licensed  till  the  Comple- 
tion of  their  Regular  Theological  Oonise.— Resolved,  2.  That  it 

be  recommended  to  Piesbyteries  not  to  license  any  student  until  he  has 
-completed  the  entire  course.     Vol.  II,  p.  486,  1868. 

.  Resolved,  6.  That  the  Presbyteries  be  especially  enjoined  to  guard 


LICENTIATES.  197 

against  premature  licensures,  or  what  would  unnecessarily  come  short 
of  the  estaljlished  conditions  of  licensure,  which,  according  to  our  Form 
of  Government,  Part  II,  Chapter  o,  Section  2,  are  that  "In  ordinary 
cases,  a  student  is  not  to  be  admitted  to  trials  for  license  until  he  has 
completed  a  course  of  tlieolojrical  study  of  three  full  years  after  the  time 
of  his  admission  by  the  Presbytery,  and  produced  testimonials  of  good 
conduct,  and  proficiency  in  his  studies  "     Vol.  Ill,  ]>.  528,  1873. 

Resolved,2.  Tliat  the  committee  take  the  liberty  of  expressing  it  as 
their  unanimous  opinion,  tliat  the  best  interests  of  students  require  their 
uninterrupted  attendance  during  the  tliree  sessions  previous  to  licensure, 
an<l  earnestly  entreat  Presbyteries  to  act  accordingly.     Vol.  IV.  p.  88.. 
1874.  ■  .  -  1 

[The  General  Assembly  of  1873  required  the  Presbyteries  to  report 
10  each  Assembly  the  names  of  persons  licensed  during  the  year  and 
the  number  of  terms  spent  at  the  seminary.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  529.  The 
First  Presbytery  of  New  York  reported  the  licensure  of  two  students  at 
the  end  of  the  second  year.      The  Ibllowing  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  action  of  the  First  Presbytery  of  New  York 
in  licensing  students  of  Theology  before  the  completion  of  their  studies 
be  disapproved  by  the  Assembly.     Vol.  IV,  p.  184,  1875. 

[The  above  order  of  the  Assembly  was  annulled.  Vol.  V,  p.  SO^ 
1879.      See  Licentiates,  Sec.  1.] 

4.  Change   in  the  Time  of  Licensure.— [The  Presbytery  of 

Wheeling,  asked  that  the  Book  of  Government  be  so  changed  as  to  admit 
the  licensure  oi"  students  at  the  end  of  the  second  year.  AVhereupon 
the  Assembly  submitted  the  following  overture  :] 

Shall  Part  II,  Chapter  V,  Sec.  2,  of  the  Book  of  Government  and 
Discipline  be  changed  so  that  it  shall  read,  '•  In  ordinary  cases,  no  stu- 
dent of  Theology  shall  be  admitted  to  trials  for  licensure  until  he  has 
completed  a  course  of  Theological  study  of  two  full  years  after  the  time 
of  his  admission  by  the  Presbytery,  and  produced  testimonials  of  good 
conduct  and  proficiency  in  his  studies,  and  he  shall  be  required  to  spend 
a  third  session  at  the  Seminary?"     Vol.  VII,  p.  225,  1889. 

[On  this  overture  the  vote  was:  ayes,  734  ;  nays,  210.     Thereupon- 
it  was] 

RekoJved,  That  the  General  Assemldy  does  now  enact  that  Part  11,. 
Chap.  V,  Sec.  2,  of  the  Book  of  Government  Ije  so  changed  that  it  shall 
read  as  follows  :  [as  proposed  in  the  overture.]      Vol.  VII,  p.  414.  1890. 

5.  Trials  of  Theological  Students  Need  not  all  be  Heard  at 

the  Time  of  Licensure.— [The  striking  out  of  Part  II.  Chapter  5.  Sec- 
tion 4,  first  clause,  "  These  trial  exercises  shall  be  iieard  at  the  time  of 
licensure,"  was  overtured  to  Presbyteries,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  IG,  18G'J,  when 
it  was  stricken  out  by  the  followinsr  vote  :  Ayes,  549  ;  nays.  52  ;  not 
voting,  21.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  150,  1870!] 

LX.     LICENTIATES. 
1.  Licensures  to  be  Reported  to  the  Assembly.— /?^'so/rec7,  That 

Presbyteries  be  required  to  report  to  eacli  (xeneral  Assemi)ly  the  names 
of  persons  licensed  during  the  year,  and  to  give  account  in  each  ca-^e  of 
the  number  of  sessions  spent  at  the  theological  seminary,  auil  the  train- 
ing given  by  the  Presbytery  itself.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  52'.),  l.s7o. 


198  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

[Tliis  action  was  le-affiTmed  hv  the  Assembly,  Vol.  IV,  p.  184, 
i875.] 

Resolved,  3.  Tiiat  tlie  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1873,  requiring 
"Presbyteries  to  re|)ort  to  the  General  Assembly  the  names  of  persons 
licensed  during  tlie  year,  and  to  give  account  in  each  case  of  the  number 
of  sessions  spent  at  the  Theolojiical  Seminary  and  the  training  given  by 
tlie  Presbytery  itself,"  be  annulled.     Vol.  V,  p.  39,  1879. 

2.  Licentiates  Desiring  to  Attend  the  Seminary  are  to  be 

Released  from  Appointments. — Jtesolved,  3.  That  the  Assembly 
will  give  no  appointments  to  any  licentiate  during  the  sessions,  who 
wishes  to  attend  tiip  seminary. 

4.  That  the  BomimI  be  authorized  to  release  from  his  ap|)ointments 
during  the  period  of  his  attendance  at  the  seminary,  any  licentiate  who 
desires  to  secure  the  benefit  of  such  attendance,  provided  the  Board  is 
able  to  fill  his  appointments  by  other  missionaries.     Vol.  IV,  339,  1876. 

{]See  also  Students.] 

LXI.     LOGUE'S  COMPLAINT. 

In  the  case  of  complaint  by  Rev.  J.  "W.  Logue  and  others  against  the 
decision  of  the  Commission  of  the  First  Synod  of  the  West,  in  the  matter 
of  the  appeal  of  Rev.  S.  R.  Frazier  and  others  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Cleveland,  your  committee  would  submit  the  following  report:  We 
have  examined  the  papers  in  this  case  and  find  that  the  complaint  is  not 
regular  because  vre))iuturc ;  it  having  been  made  against  the  action  of  a 
Commission  which  had  not  yet  reported  to  the  court  appointing  it.  The 
4aw  of  commissions  reads  as  follows:  "It,"  that  is,  the  Commission, 
''  shall  submit  a  full  record  of  its  proceedings  to  the  court  appointing  it, 
which,  if  the  proceedings  have  been  regular,  and  the  Commission  has 
rot  exceeded  its  powers,  shall  become  part  of  the  records  of  the  court. 
The  right  of  dissent,  protest  and  complaint,  and  the  rules  of  pro- 
cedure therein,  siiall  be  tlie  same  as  in  full  court.  Tiie  reason  for  pro- 
test, appeal  or  complaint,  shall  be  lodged  with  the  Moderator  or  the 
Clerk  of  the  court  appointing  the  Commission."  (See  Minutes  of  As- 
sembly, Vol.  V,  p.  527,  Sections  5  and  6.) 

Now  this  language  plainly  implies  that  the  records  of  the  Commission 
fihall  be  submitted  to  the  appointing  court,  and  be  declared  regular,  and 
within  the  limits  of  the  Commission's  power,  before  an  appeal  or  com- 
plaint against  its  action  can  be  admitted.  Until  this  action  has  been 
taken  by  the  appointing  court,  the  higher  court  can  have  no  access  to  the 
records  of  the  Commission  in  case  of  complaint  or  appeal,  and  could  not, 
therefore,  issue  the  case.  Also,  the  law  declares  that  the  reason  for 
protest  or  complaint  shall  be  lodged  with  the  Moderator  or  Clerk  of  the 
court  appointing  the  Commission.  These  conditions  not  having  been 
complied  with  in  this  case,  we,  therefore,  recommend  that  the  complaint 
be  dismissed.     [Adopted.]     Vol.  VI,  p.  419,  188G. 

LXII.     McCAUGHAN'S  APPEALS. 

First.  [The  following  is  a  statement  of  the  case:] 
At  a  meeting  of  the  Presbytery  of  Des  Moines  a  memorial  was  re- 
ceived from  twenty  persons  claiming  to  be  members  of  the  congregation 


m'cune's  case.  199 

of  Oskaloosu,  representing  that  they  were  aggrieved  by  the  introduction 
of  instrumental  music  into  the  services  of  worship  in  said  congregation, 
and  asking  for  such  relief  as  the  case  required.  In  response  to  this  the 
Presbytery  found  that  nine  of  these  persons  were  on  what  was  called  a 
"dead  list"  of  members  in  the  congregation,  and  of  the  remaining 
fleven  only  five  contributed  to  the  support  of  the  Church,  and  that  to  a 
limited  degree,  and  that  only  one  had  ever  made  complaint  to  session 
iibout  the  "matter.  For  these  reasons  the  Presbytery  refused  to  grant 
the  petition  of  the  memorialists.  From  this  decision  the  present  appel- 
lant took  an  appeal  to  the  Synod  of  Iowa.  The  Synod  refused  to  sus- 
tain his  appeal,  and  from  that  decision  he  appeals  to  this  Assembly. 

[The  action  of  the  Assembly  was:]  Resolved,  That  the  appeal  be 
sustained,  because  the  lower  courts  passed  judgment  on  the  memorialists 
unheard.     Vol.  Yl,  p.  G79.  1887. 

Second.  [Rev.  C.  T.  McCaughan,  D.  D.,  appealed  from  a  decision 
of  the  Synod  of  Iowa  in  a  judicial  case.  The  action  of  the  Assembly 
was:] 

Two  kinds  of  cases  may  be  appealed  from  a  lower  to  a  higher  court: 
First,  A  judicial  case,  in  which  the  "  right  of  appeal  belongs  to  the 
party  against  whom  the  decision  is  made."  Second,  Cases  in  which 
■"the  purity  of  the  church  or  the  interests  of  truth  and  righteousness  are 
injuriously  affected  by  a  decision,"  in  which  any  member  of  the  court 
may  appeal.  The  case  before  us  is  of  tiie  former  class,  and  the  parties 
iigainst  whom  the  decision  is  made  have  not  appealed.  There  is  no  evi- 
dence before  us  that  they  are  even  aggrieved. 

In  view  of  the  above,  and  also  in  view  of  the  fact  that  there  is  no 
■evidence  before  us  that  the  purity  of  the  church  or  the  interests  of  truth 
and  righteousness  are  injuriously  aflected  by  the  decision  from  which 
tlie  appeal  is  taken,  and  that  it  is  not  even  so  alleged  in  the  appeal; 
therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  appeal  is  not  legally  before  the  Assembly.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  210,  1889. 

LXIII.     M'CUNE'S  CASE, 

[Certain  Presbyteries  brought  against  Rev.  Wm.  C.  M'Cune,  of  the 
First  Presbytery  of  Ohio,  the  charge  of  holding  and  defending  funda- 
mental and  serious  errors  on  the  subject  of  church  fellowship,  and  in 
support  of  their  charge,  they  referred  to  a  book  published  by  him.  The 
following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  action  of  the  Presbyteries  in  bringing  this 
matter  to  the  notice  of  this  Assembly  be  and  hereby  is  approved. 

2.  That  we  regard  it  as  inconsistent  with  that  integrity  which  should 
characterize  the  followers  of  Christ  to  espouse  a  profession,  and  under 
the  garb  of  that  profession  to  assail  its  well  known  and  acknowledged 
principles. 

3.  That  the  case  of  Rev.  Wm.  C.  M'Cune  be  submitted  to  the  First 
Presbytery  of  Ohio,  of  which  he  is  a  member,  that  proceedings  may  be, 
if  they  are  not  already,  instituted  by  that  Presbytery,  for  his  trial  in 
regard  to  doctrines  which  he  has  taught,  or  opinions  which  he  has  pub- 
lished on  the  subject  of  church  fellowship,  represented  to  this  Assembly 


200  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

by  several  Presbyteries  to  be  in  opposition  to  our  standards,  erroneous^ 
and  therefore  censurable.     Vol.  II,  p.  307,  1866. 

[Mr.  M'Cune  was  put  on  trial,  and  tlie  case  was  broujfht  before  the 
next  Assembly  by  the  appeal  of  Rev.  Samuel  "Wilson  and  others  from 
the  decision  of  the  Second  Synod,  acquitting  him.  It  being  shown  that 
the  endorsement  on  the  appeal  was  incorrect,  the  moderator  of  the 
Second-  Synod  was  allowed  to  correct  the  error,  when  the  case  was 
issued  by  tlie  Assembly.  Vol.  II,  p.  398,  1867.]  The  question  was 
then  put, — Shall  the  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Second  Synod  of 
the  West,  acquitting  Rev.  W.  C.  M'Cune  of  the  charge  in  the  lirst 
specification,  namely:  "making  determined  opposition  to  one  of  our 
distinctive  })rinciples,  namely,  the  sixteenth  article  of  the  Testimony," 
be  sustained?     Ayes,  124;  nays,  3;  not  voting,  7. 

Shall  the  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Second  Synod  of  the  "West, 
acquitting  Mr.  M'Cune  of  "holding  and  defending  serious  error  on  the 
subject  of  church  fellowship,"  be  sustained?  Ayes,  110;  nays,  21  ^ 
not  voting,  1. 

Shall  the  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Second  Synod  of  the  West, 
acquitting  Rev.  W.  C.  M'Cune  of  holding  and  defending  fundamental 
error  on  the  subject  of  church  fellowship,"  be  sustained?  Ayes,  91; 
nays,  38;  not  voting,  3. 

The  vote  was  then  taken  viva  voce  on  the  main  question  as  a  whole. 
The  appeal  was  sustained.     Vol.  II,  pp.  401,  402,  403,  404,  1867. 

[The  following  was  adopted  as  the  final  disposition  of  the  case:] 
The  Assembly  having  sustained  the  appeal  of  Dr.  S.  Wilson  and  others^ 
from  the  decision  of  the  Second  Synod  of  the  West,  in  the  case  of  Rev. 
W.  C.  M'Cune,  charged  with  "liolding  and  defending  serious  and 
fundamental  error  on  the  subject  of  church  fellowship,"  hereby  reverse* 
the  decision  of  the  Synod,  and  declares  said  charge  proved. 

This  judgment  is  not  simply  because  of  Mr.  M'Cune's  interpretation 
of  the  26th  chapter  of  the  Confession  of  Faith,  or  his  "determined  op- 
position" to  the  sixteenth  article  of  the  Testimony,  a  part  of  the  basis 
of  union  on  which  this  church  was  organized  ;  but  also,  because  of  his 
enunciation  and  advocacy  of  principles  which,  if  fully  carried  out, 
would  work  a  complete  subversion  of  the  church  as  a  visible  organiza- 
tion. 

By  this  judgment,  Mr.  M'Cune  is  fairly  liable  to  the  severe  censure 
of  the  church.  But,  in  consideration  of  the  facts  that  he  appears  to 
have  labored  under  a  misapprehension  of  what  the  doctrine  and  law  of 
his  church  are  on  the  subject  of  church  fellowship,  and  that  this  ques- 
tion is  now  definitely  settled  by  a  judicial  decision  of  her  highest  court, 
it  is  deemed  sufficient  to  remit  his  case  to  his  Presbytery,  with  instruc- 
tions to  admonish  him  that  he  must  respect  tl'e  authority  of  the  cliurch 
in  this  decision,  abstain  from  divisive  courses,  and  follow  the  things 
that  make  for  peace.     Vol.  II,  p.  406,  1867. 

[A  dissent  against  the  legality  of  the  ])roceedings  in  the  case  of  IMr. 
M'Cune  was  entered,  Vol.  II,  p.  407,  1867,  and  answered.  Vol.  II,  {>. 
413,  1867.] 


MARRIAGE    AND    DIVORCE.  2()1 


LXIV.     MANSES. 


"Whereas,  Tie  necessity  tliat  each  congrefration  should  have  a  manse 
is  so  apparent  and  so  pressing  in  most  cases  ;  therefore, 

Hesoived,  That  tiie  Presbyteries  under  the  care  of  this  General  As- 
sembly be  instructed  to  inquire  of  the  churches  under  their  care  what 
they  have  done,  or  what  they  propose  doing,  in  behalf  of  this  object,  and 
that  in  order  to  awaken  additional  attention  to  the  subject,  that  the 
Presbyteries  address  a  pastoral  letter  to  their  churches,  urging  upon  the 
people  the  necessity  ot  taking  early  and  earnest  action  to  erect  manses, 
and  thereby  secure  comfortable  homes  for  their  ministers.  Vol.  II,  p. 
298,  18GG. 

See  also,  Church  Extension,  Board  of.  Sec.  25  :  The  Parsonage  Fund. 

LXY.     MAPvRIAGE  AND  DIVORCE. 

1.  Sacredness  of  the  Marriage  Contract. — Resolved,  2.  That  we 

enjoin  our  ministers  to  be  iaithful  in  the  instruction  of  the  people  on  the 
sacredness  and  binding  chaiacter  of  the  marriage  contract.  Vol.  VII, 
p.  422.  1800. 

2.  Marriage  with  Irreligious  Persons. — Resolved,  Tiiat  it  is  the 

duty  ot  parents  to  counsel  and  warn  tiieir  cliildren  against  the  formation 
of  such  matrimonial  connections,  and  that  ministers  of  the  gospel  should 
show  iVom  the  Scriptures  tiieir  dangerous  tendency,  with  a  diligence 
proportioned  to  the  danger  to  which  young  people  are  exposed  from  the 
social  influences  with  which  they  are  surrounded.      Vol.  I,  p.  224,  1861. 

3.  Marriage  Within  the  Forbidden  Degrees  of  Consanguin- 
ity.— Resolved,  1.  That  ministei's  be  instructed  to  bring  this  subject  be- 
fore the  people  in  their  public  ministrations,  in  order  that  the  purity  of 
the  marriage  relation  lie  preserved. 

2.  Tiiat  the  Presbyteries  and  Sessions  be  directed  by  the  proper  exer- 
cise of  discipline,  to  enforce  the  established  principles  of  tiie  Confession, 
in  all  cases  where  marriages  have  been  contracted  within  the  degrees 
forbidden  by  the  law  of  God.     Vol.  II,  p.  319,  1866. 

[The  Session  of  Cedarville,  Presbytery  of  Xenia,  memorialized  the 
Assembly  in  reference  to  Chapter  XXIV,  Article  IV,  of  the  Con- 
fession of  Faith,  requesting  such  a  deliverance  as  would  secure  uni- 
formity of  action  or  conformity  to  the  law.  The  following  action  was 
taken  :]  It  is  submitted  that  the  law  on  this  subject  is  specilic ;  that  it 
should  be  a  part  of  the  Church's  organic  law;  has  recently  been  re- 
asserted by  the  Church,  and  inasmucli  as  no  modification  of  the  law,  so 
as  to  require  re-overture,  is  asked,  but  only  such  a  deliverance  as 
would  secure  consistent  action  by  the  inferior  courts  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  faithful  teaching  be  enjoined  that  infractions  of  the 
law  may  be  prevented,  and  that  violations  of  the  law  be  dealt  with  by 
Sessions  consistently  with  its  spirit  and  design.  Vol.  IV,  p.  446, 
1877. 

4.  Marriage  with  a  Deceased  Wife's  Niece. — Resolved,  That 

the  foregoing  question — Is  it  agreeable  to  the  word  of  God,  and  the 
standards  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  for  a  man  to  marry  his 
deceased  wife's  niece  ? — be  answered  in  the  negative.  Vol.  II,  p.  503, 
1868. 


202  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

5.  Marriage  with  a  Deceased  Wife's  Sister.— [A  Mr.  Paden, 

a  member  of  the  congregation  of  Bethel  in  the  Presbytery  of  Mercer, 
having  married  the  sister  of  his  deceased  wife,  was  arraigned  by  the 
Session,  and  the  following  sentence  pronounced  :  "  Resolved,  That  Mr. 
Paden  be  admonished  before  the  Session,  and  that  a  public  intimation 
of  the  same  be  made  to  the  congregation."  From  this  decision,  a  mi- 
nority of  the  Session  appealed  to  the  Presbytery.  Presbytery  sustained 
the  appeal,  and  instructed  the  Session  of  the  congregation  of  Bethel  to 
suspend  Mr.  Paden  from  the  privileges  of  the  Church  until  he  gave 
evidence  of  repentance.  From  this  decision  an  appeal  was  taken,  and 
the  case  brought  before  the  First  Synod  of  the  West.  The  Synod  sus- 
tained the  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Presbytery.  From  this  de- 
cision, certain  members  of  Synod  appealed  to  the  Aseembly.  Vol.  Ill, 
p.  11,  186'J.  This  appeal  from  Synod  was  sustained;  ayes,  6G  ;  nays, 
62.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  21,  1869.] 

6.  Overture  with  Reference  to  Marriage  with  a  Deceased 

Wife's  Relatives. — Resolved,  That  the  following  question,  a  definite 
answer  to  which,  yea  or  nay,  shall  be  reported  to  the  next  General  As- 
sembly, be  and  hereby  is  transmitted  in  overture  to  the  Presbyteries  of 
the  church,  namely:  Shall  the  declaration  contained  in  the  Westminster 
Confession  of  Faith,  Chap.  XXIV.,  Sec.  4,  "The  man  may  not  marry 
any  of  his  wife's  kindred  nearer  in  blood  than  he  may  of  his  own,  nor 
the  woman  of  her  husband's  kindred  nearer  in  blood  than  of  her  own," 
be  repealed?     Vol.  Ill,  p.  26,  1869. 

[This  overture  was  rejected  by  the  following  vote:  Ayes,  127  ;  nays. 
536;  not  voting.  65.     Vol  III,  p.  150,  1870.] 

7.  Polygamous  Converts  not  Admitted  to  Membership.— [A 

memorial  and  petition  were  presented  against  the  action  of  the  Presby- 
tery of  Sialkot  concerning  the  admission  of  converts  from  heathenism 
who  have  a  plurality  of  wives  to  baptism  and  membership  in  the  church. 
As  there  has  been  no  official  communication  from  the  Presbytery  on 
the  subject,  the  Presbytery  was  directed  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly 
their  official  action  and  the  grounds  on  which  it  was  based.  Vol.  V,  p. 
29,  1879.  Tlie  Presbytery  reported  accordingly,  and  the  Assembly 
took  the  following  action:] 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  question  really  and  properly  brought  before  the 
committee  and  the  Assembly  is  the  following,  which  is  expressed  in  an- 
other part  of  the  paper  :  "  Can  a  ])olygamist  be  received  into  the  church 
during  its  transition  state  in  a  polygamous  country,  with  the  express 
understanding  that  this  polygamy  is  only  tolerated,  and  that  while  in 
this  state  he  (the  polyganiist)  can  never  be  admitted  to  any  official  posi- 
tion in  the  church  ?" 

On  the  question,  as  here  stated,  the  committee  reply  in  the  negati%'e, 
and  declare  that  it  is  not  proper  to  ad  nit  a  polygamist  to  membership  in 
the  church,  even  under  the  circumstances  specified.  Vol.  V,  p.  188, 
1880. 

8.  Divorce. — Resolved,  That  these  questions  be  referred  to  a  select 
committee,  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly,  viz.:  1.  Does  a  divorce,  se- 
cured on  the  ground  of  wilful  desertion,  leave  the  party  at  liberty  to 
marry  again  ?  2.  If  not,  and  yet  a  member  of  the  church  marries  such 
a  person  in  good  faith  and  under  the  impression  that  it  is  entirely  law- 


MAKSHALI.'S    APPEAL.  203 

ful,  liow  far  should  a  church  court  extend  forbearance  in  such  a  case? 
Vol.  HI,  p.  17,  1869. 

[Majority  and  minority  reports  were  presented.  Vol.  HI,  pp.  408- 
412,  1872,  the  former  maintaining  that  "the  Scriptures  allow  but  one 
justifiable  cause  of  divorce,"  viz.,  adultery,  the  latter  concludinir  with 
the  resolution,  "that  the  doctrine  of  divorce  is  scrij)turallv  exhibited  in 
the  teaching  of  the  Westminster  Confession  on  the  subject."  These  re- 
ports weie  referred  to  the  next  Assembly,  by  which  tlieir  consideration 
was  indefinitely  postponed.      Vol.  Ill,  j).  547.  1873.] 

The  Presbytery  of  "Westmoreland  ask  that  the  necessary  steps  be 
taken  to  have  the  words,  "or  such  wilful  desertion  as  can  in  no  way  be 
remedied  by  the  Church  or  civil  magistrate,"  be  stricken  from  Section 
6,  Chapter  XXIV.  of  the  Confession  of  Faith.  For  various  reasons  it 
is  not  thought  best,  at  the  present  time,  to  submit  such  an  overture  to 
the  Presbyteries ;   therefore. 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  memorialists  be  not  granted.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  20,  1888. 

y.  Divorce  Legislation. — Resolved,  2.  That  there  is  a  loud  call  for 
some  legislation  to  secure  uniformity  in  the  matter  of  divorce,  and  pre- 
vent the  great  and  growing  evils  so  appalling  under  the  present  regula- 
tions. 

3.  That  this  Assembly  earnestly  invokes  State  governments  to  take 
measures  to  secure  such  legislation,  and  allow  divorce  only  upon  Scrip- 
tural ground.     Vol.  V.  p.  40,  1884. 

1.  That  we  as  a  Church  most  emphatically  condemn  all  laws  relating 
to  divorce,  which  |)ermit  the  l)reaking  up  of  the  marriage  relation  on 
other  than  Scriptuial  ground,  and  declare  that  the  nation  and  people 
that  permit  such  laws  to  exist  are  in  imminent  neril  of  the  judgments  of 
God.  ^  ''     ° 

4.  That  we  advise  all  our  people  to  use  their  influence  in  endeavor- 
ing to  secure  the  repeal  of  all  divorce  laws  that  are  contrary  to  the 
Scriptures,  and  the  enacting  of  such  State  and  National  laws  as  shall 
recognize  onlv  Scriptural  grounds  for  divorce.  Vol.  VII,  p.  422, 
1890. 

10.  Ministers  Forbidden  to  Unite  in  Marriage  Persons  Un- 

SCripturally  Divorced. — Resolved,  l.  That  in  the  judgment  of  this 
Assembly  no  minister  should  join  in  marriage  any  person  who  is  known 
to  have  been  divorced  on  other  than  Scriptural  grounds.  Vol.  VI,  p. 
40,1884.  "  ^ 

3.  That  it  is  contrary  to  the  law  of  God  for  any  minister  or  otlier 
officer  to  unite  in  marriage  parties,  one  or  both  of  which  have  been  sep- 
arated from  former  partners  on  other  than  Scriptural  grounds,  even  al- 
though the  State  may  recognize  such  marriage  as  lawful.  Vol.  VII,  p. 
422,  1890. 

LXVI.  MARSHALLS'  APPEAL. 

[The  appellants,  Eleanor,  Jaue  L.  and  Catharii^.e  Marshall,  were 
libelled  by  the  Session  of  the  Amity  congregation,  to  which  they  be- 
longed, for  neglect  of  ordinances.  At  the  time  set  for  trial,  the  accused 
sent  in  papers  declining  the  authority  of  Session,  on  the  ground  of  in- 
competency.     Their  reasons  were    deemed  gioundii'ss   by  the  Session, 


204  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

and  the  appellants  were  cited  to  appear  a  second  time  for  trial  ;  when 
they  all  appeared,  and  again  declined  the  authority  of  the  Session,  and 
protested  ajruinst  the  action  of  the  Session  in  deciding  their  declination 
unwarrantable  ;  and  appealed  to  Presbytery.  The  accused  then  left  the 
court,  and  in  their  absence  they  were  tried  and  convicted  of  the  charge 
contained  in  the  libel.  Tiie  only  question  coming  belore  the  Presby- 
tery was  the  competency  of  the  Session  to  try  the  case.  'I'he  Presby- 
tery sustained  the  Session,  regarding  it  as  competent,  and  the  declina- 
ture of  the  accused  as  unwarrantable.  An  appeal  was  taken  from  the 
Presbytery  to  the  Synod  of  Ohio.  In  Synod  the  appeal  was  not  sus- 
tained, thereby  affirming  the  decision  of  tiie  Presbytery.  From  this 
action  an  appeal  was  taken  to  the  Assembly,  but  the  appeal  was  not 
sustained,  and  the  concurrent  decisions  of  tiie  lower  courts  were 
affirmed.  Vol.  II,  p.  297,  1866.  Tlie  appellants  protested  against  this 
action.  Having  removed  from  their  former  place  of  residence,  the  As- 
sembly, on  the  ground  that  meml)ers  under  suspension  are  still  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Church  courts,  passed  the  following  resolutions  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  Eleanor,  Jane  L.,  and  Catharine  Marshall  be  and 
hereby  are  placed  under  the  care  of  the  Session  of  the  First  congrega- 
tion, Monmouth. 

2.  That  tiie  Session  of  Amity  congregation  be  and  hereby  is  directed 
to  transmit  to  the  Session  of  the  First  congregation  of  Monmouth  all 
the  papers  in  their  possession  pertaining  to  the  case.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  276^ 
1871. 

LXVII.     MATHEWS'  MEMORIAL. 

[Rev.  G.  D.  Mathews  presented  a  memorial,  complaining  of  certain 
action  on  the  part  of  the  Second  Presbytery  of  New  Yoik.  The  As- 
sembly returned  his  memorial,  on  the  ground  that  tlie  Synod  of  New 
York  was  the  proper  court  in  which  to  seek  to  redress.  Vol.  IV,  p.  27, 
1874.] 

LXVIII.     MEMBERS  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

Terms  of  Admission  to  Membership. — The  United  Presbyte- 
rian Church  has  explicitly  declared  that  an  adlierence  to  the  Westmin- 
ster standards  and  to  the  declarations  contained  in  iier  testimony  will  be 
required  of  those  seeking  communion  with  her.      Vol.  I,  p.  61,  1869. 

2.  Tenderness  in  Admitting  Members. — In  the  case  of  the  ad- 
mission of  members.  Sessions  are  affectionately  recommended  to  use 
great  tenderness  towards  the  weak  or  such  as  are  earnestly  inquiring 
after  the  truth.     Vol.  II,  p.  31.  1864. 

3.  Jurisdiction  of  Church  Courts  over  Dismissed  Members. 

— Have  tiie  courts  of  tliis  church  jurisdiction  over  ministers  and  mem- 
bers dismissed  to  other  churches  equal  to  that  exercised  over  ministers 
and  members  dismissed  to  other  Presbyteries  or  congregation  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church?  As  the  granting  of  a  certificate  of  dis- 
mission is  not  the  same  thing  as  excommunication,  or  deposition  and 
excommunication,  and  as  it  cannot  take  the  holder  of  it  out  of  the  power 
of  the  court  wliicli  granted  it  till  it  has  been  presented  to  another  court 
and  accepted  by  it  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  question  be  answered  in  the  affirmative. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  Iu8,  1870. 


MEMORIAL,  THE    LIMIT    OF.  205 

4.  Duty  of  Sessions  to  Members  Removing — Resolved,  l.  That 

sessions  be  enjoiin-d  to  exercise  u  Caitiitul  oversight  of  the  congregation, 
and  of  every  individual  member  thereof,  observing  as  far  as  may  be 
possible  the  conduct  of  those  who  remove  to  other  localities,  frequently 
reminding  them  by  letter,  or  otherwise,  of  their  duty  to  continue  in  the 
communion  and  fellowsiii))  of  the  church,  and  warning  them  not  only 
of  the  danger  of  losing  theii'  standing  in  the  church,  but  of  the  dishonor 
they  do  to  religion  and  the  injur}'  they  bring  upon  their  own  souls. 

2.  Tiiat  any  member  who,  after  being  thus  admonished,  continues 
out  of  the  communion  of  the  ciiurch  for  one  year  without  furnishing 
satisfactory  reasons  to  the  session,  may  be  indefinitely  suspended  and 
liis  name  stricken  from  the  roll  of  members.     Vol.  V,  p.  34,  1879. 

1.  Tiiat  j)astors  and  sessions  be  urged  to  look  after  members  remov- 
ing from  the  boun<ls  of  their  respective  congregations,  so  that  they  may 
be  saved  to  our  branch  of  the  Church.      Vol.  VI,  p.  16,  1884. 

").  Blank  Certificates  for  Members  Removing. — Resolved^  2. 

That  the  Board  of  Publication  be  directed  to  consider  the  propriety  of 
publishing,  for  the  use  of  the  Church,  a  book  of  blank  certificates  of 
membershi]),  to  include  also  the  baptized  membership,  in  which  there 
shall  be  added  to  tiie  form  now  in  use,  forms  for  notifying  sessions  con- 
cerning persons  certified  to  them,  and  for  acknowledging  their  recep- 
tion.    Vol.  VI,  p.  17,  1884. 

G.  Names  of  Members  Removing  without  Certificate  to  be 

£rased  from  the  Register. — Resolved,  3.  That  any  member  leaving 
a  congregation  without  applying  ior  the  usual  testimonials,  and  remain- 
ing away  lor  two  years,  the  session  in  the  meantime  having  no  knowl- 
edge of  his  deportment  shall  remove  his  name  from  the  church  register. 
Vol.  V,  p.  34.  1879. 

7.  Unpaid  Subscriptions  of  Members  Removing  from  one 

Congregation  to  Another. — Resolved,  That  when  church  members 
sutter  the  pastoral  year  lo  expire  without  withdrawing  their  names  from 
the  suliscription  list.  Sessions  are  authorized  to  withhold  the  certificates 
of  such  withdrawing  meml)ers  until  they  pay  all  their  pecuniary  liabil- 
ities for  the  ])astor's  salary  up  to  the  time  of  their  removing,  and  pay, 
also,  their  share  of  the  benevolent  contributions  of  the  congregation 
wherein  they  are  reported  in  the  statistical  table  as  being  members. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  43,  1874. 

LXIX.     MEMORIAL,  THE  LIMIT  OF. 
A  Case  may  not  be  Transferred  to  a  Higher  Court  by 

Memorial. — in  the  case  of  the  memorial  Irom  tiie  session  of  the  Second 
Chuicii  of  Xenia,  Ohio,  the  paper  itself  shows  that  this  memorial  was 
laid  before  the  Presbytery  of  Xenia,  and  that  said  Presbytery  took 
action  thereon,  which  was  not  satisfactory  to  the  memorialists.  They 
now  seek  to  bring  their  case  from  the  Presbytery  to  this  Assembly  in  an 
irregular  manner.  Your  committee  therefore  recommend,  that  the  paper 
be  returned  to  IJev.  J.  G.  Carson,  D.  D.,  as  Moderator  of  the  session, 
for  the  following  reason  : 

Because  a  memorial  is  not  one  of  the  methods  by  which  '■'every  de- 
cision in  any  church  court  is  subject  to  the  review  of  the  superior  court," 


206  DKiEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEiMBLY. 

and  l)y  which  a  case  may  be  brought  from  an  inferior  to  a  superior 
court.  Book  of  Discipline,  Chapter  XII,  Section  2.  Vol.  VII,  p.  24, 
1888. 

On  that  part  of  the  Xenia  memorial  in  which  a  complaint  is  made  of 
the  action  of  the  last  Assembly  in  returning  this  memorial  to  the 
Moderator  of  the  Session,  your  Committee  recommend  tiie  adoption  of 
the  following: 

Inasnuicii  as  we  have  not  all  the  facts  before  us  whicli  influenced  the 
last  Assembly  in  its  action  on  said  memorial,  tlierefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  memorial  be  published  in  tiie  minutes  of  this  As- 
sembly, and  that  we  give  no  expression  of  opinion  on  the  matter.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  222,  1889. 

LXX.     MINISTERIAL  RELIEF,  BOARD  OF. 

1.  Aged  Ministers'  Fund. — [On  the  recommendation  of  the  Board 
of  Home  Missions,  Vol.  1,  p.  3G9,  18G2,  a  committee  was  appointed  to 
prepare  a  plan  for  the  establishment  of  a  fund  for  the  support  of  aged 
and  infirm  ministers,  Vol.  I,  p.  345,  18G2.  This  committee  presented 
a  report,  which  was  adopted,  creating  '•  The  Aged  and  Infirm  Ministers' 
Fund,"  requesting  pastors  to  bring  the  subject  before  their  people  and 
take  up  a  collection,  and  appointing  a  committee  to  mature  plans  for  the 
management  of  tlie  fund,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  Vol.  I,  p. 
347,  18G2.  This  committee  reported  a  plan  creating  a  fund  for  the  re- 
lief of  superannuated  and  disabled  ministers,  and  the  widows  and  families 
of  deceased  ministers,  this  fund  to  be  raised  by  annual  collections  and 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly,  to  be  dis- 
bursed on  the  recommendation  of  the  Presbyteries  having  charge  of 
the  applicants,  the  fund  to  be  managed  by  a  committee  of  at  least  three 
of  the  Trustees,  the  chairman  of  whom  should  keep  the  subject  before 
the  church  ;   the  Trustees  to  report  to  the  General  Assembly. 

In  order  that  there  might  be  a  permanent  fund,  the  principal  to  be 
invested  by  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly,  donations  and  lega- 
cies were  solicited.     Vol.  II,  p.  14,  1864.] 

[A  Committee  was  appointed  by  the  Assembly  of  1868  to  inquire 
into  the  [jropriety  of  making  provision  for  the  support  of  indigent  widows 
of  deceased  ministers.  Vol.  II,  p.  501,  1868.  The  plan  reported  was 
referred  to  the  Presbyteries,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  34,  1869,  and  was  rejected. 
Ayes,  60  ;  nays,  69  ;  not  voting,  13.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  150,  1870.] 

[The  subject  was  again  brought  before  the  Assembly  in  1873,  when 
the  Board  of  Ministerial  Relief  was  established.    Vol.  Ill,  p.  545,  1873.] 

2.  Charter  of  the  Board  of  Ministerial  Relief.— [Granted  by 

the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  No.  2,  of  Pi)iladelphia,  Pa.,  May  8,  1875, 
recorded  in  the  office  for  recording  deeds  for  said  county  in  Charter  Book 
No.  2,  page  126,  etc.,  and  accepted  by  the  General  Assembly,  Vol.  IV, 
p.  163,  1875.] 

The  petition  of  John  B.  Dales,  D.  D.,  W.  W.  Barr,  D.  D.,  James 
McCandless,  John  Alexander,  Wm.  Getty,  Wm.  Arrott  and  George  B. 
Shelton,  all  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  James  Brown,  of  the  city 
of  Pittsburgh,  respectfully  represents  : 

1.  That  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America  has,  by 


MINISTERIAL    RELIEF,  BOARD    OF.  207 

its  General  Assembly,  appointed  and  constituted  your  petitioners,  to- 
gether with  Henry  Harrison,  of  the  city  of  New  York,  a  Board  or  com- 
mittee thereof  to  efiectuate  the  ends  hereinafter  set  forth. 

2.  That  your  petitioners,  together  with  the  said  Henry  Harrison, 
have  heretofore,  as  a  voluntary  association,  performed  the  trusts  im- 
posed upon  them  by  their  appointment,  as  aforesaid. 

3.  That  the  business  of  the  said  association,  or  Board,  would  be 
greatly  facilitated  by  their  erection  from  a  voluntary  association  into  a 
corporation  and  body  politic. 

4.  That  your  petitioners  therefore  desire  to  avail  themselves  of  the 
provisions  of  an  Act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
Pennsylvania,  approved  April  29tli,  A.  D.  1874. 

5.  That,  under  the  provisions  of  the  said  Act,  they  certify  as  follows  : 

I.  That  the  proposed  name  of  the  contemplated  corporation  is  "  The 
Board  of  Ministerial  Relief  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of 
North  America." 

II.  That  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  formed  is  the  relief  of  disabled 
and  superannuated  ministers,  and  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased 
ministers  of  the  said  Church. 

III.  That  the  places  of  business  of  the  proposed  corporation  are  : 
First,  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  and  second,  such  other  phices  as  may  be 
designated  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  said  Church. 

IV.  That  its  existence  is  to  be  perpetual. 

V.  That  there  is  no  capital  stock,  and  no  subscriptions  thereto,  and 
consequently  your  petitioners  cannot  certify  the  residences  of  any  such 
subscribers. 

VI.  That  the  number  of  its  directors  is  nine,  three  of  whom  shall  be 
elected  annually  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  North  America;  the  directors  for  the  present  year  are  your 
petitioners,  and  the  said  Henry  Harrison,  whose  names  and  residences 
are  herein  set  forth. 

Your  petitioners  therefore  pray,  as  follows: 

I.  Tliat  your  honors  will  decree,  that  three  or  more  of  the  petitioners 
herein  named,  and  named  in  the  certificate  of  the  recorder  of  deeds, 
hereunto  annexed,  having  acknowledged  this  petition  as  their  act  and 
deed,  and  due  proof  of  tiie  publication  of  notice  of  intention  to  apply  for 
the  benefit  of  the  above  named  act,  having  been  required  and  heard 
upon  the  recording  in  the  office  of  the  recorder  of  deeds  for  Phila- 
delphia, as  well  of  this  petition  and  the  certificate  of  acknowledgment 
thereof,  as  the  decree  thereon,  your  petitioners  shall  be  a  corporation 
under  the  laws  of  the  commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania. 

II.  That  the  corporate  name  of  the  said  corporation  shall  be  "The 
Board  of  Ministerial  Kelief  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North 
America." 

III.  That  by  that  name  your  petitioners  and  their  successors  in  the 
above  recited  trust  shall  have  perpetual  succession. 

IV.  That  by  that  name  it  shall  have  power  to  maintain  and  defend 
judicial  proceedings. 

V.  That  it  shall  have  power  to  make  and  use  a  common  seal  and 
alter  the  same  at  pleasure. 

VI.  That  it  may  hold,  purchase  and  transfer  such  real  and  personal 


■208  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

property  as  the  purposes  of  the  corporation  may  require,  and  may  re- 
ceive and  liold  any  and  all  bequests,  devises,  or  legacies  which  may  be 
^iven  to  it,  conditionally  or  unconditionally,  in  fee  simple,  or  for  a 
lesser  estate;  provided  that  it  shall  not  hold  real  estate  to  an  amount, 
the  clear  yearly  value,  or  income  whereof,  shall  exceed  twenty  thousand 
dollars. 

VII.  That  it  shall  have  power  to  appoint  and  remove  such  subordinate 
olficers  and  agents  as  the  business  of  the  corporation  requires,  and  to 
allow  them  a  suitable  compensation. 

VIII.  That  it  shall  have  power  to  make  by-laws,  not  inconsistent  with 
law,  for  the  management  of  its  property,  the  regulation  of  its  affairs, 
and  the  investment,  funding  and  distribution  of  its  moneys. 

IX.  That  it  shall  have  power  to  enter  into  any  obligation  necessary 
to  the  transaction  of  its  ordinary  affairs. 

X.  That  it  shall  have  all  and  singular  the  powers  not  herein  above 
specified,  which  may  be  enjoyed  by  corporations  created  under  and  by 
virtue  of  the  act  aforesaid.  And  your  petitioners  will  ever  pray,  &c. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  215,  1875. 

3.  Constitution  of  the  Board  of  Ministerial  Relief.— [A  Con- 

litution  tor  the  Board  of  Ministerial  Relief  was  adopted.  Vol.  IV,  pp. 
28,  76,  1874;  repealed.  Vol.  IV,  p.  183,  1875,  being  superseled  by  the 
general  constitution  of  the  Boards  and  the  following  new  constitution:] 

1.  This  Board  shall  be  styled  "The  Board  of  Ministerial  Relief  of 
the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,"  and  shall  be 
located  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

2.  The  object  of  this  Board  shall  be  the  relief  of  disabled  and  super- 
annuated ministers,  and  the  widows  and  orphans  of  deceased  ministers 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 

3.  This  relief  shall  be  granted  only  to  ministers  who  are  in  good 
standing  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  to  the  families,  in  said 
church,  of  ministers  who  were  in  such  standing  at  the  time  of  tiieir  de- 
cease, and,  ordinarily,  relief  shall  not  be  extended  to  children  over  six- 
teen years  of  age.     Vol.  IV,  p.  25,  1874. 

4.  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Ministerial  Relief. — [Adopted 

by  the  General  Assembly.     Vol.  IV,  p.  183,  1875.] 

1.  Regulations 1.  This  relief  shall   be  granted  only  to  ministers 

who  are  in  good  standing  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Ciiurcli,  and  to 
the  families  in  said  church  of  ministers  who  were  in  such  standing  at 
the  time  of  their  decease,  and,  ordinarily,  it  shall  not  extend  to  children 
•over  sixteen  years  of  age. 

2.  All  applications  for  relief  shall  be  accompanied  by  a  certified 
statement  endorsed  by  tiie  Presbytery  to  which  the  applicants  belong, 
or  in  whose  bounds  they  reside,  stating  the  condition  and  circumstances 
of  the  applicants,  and  every  renewal  of  application  shall  be  accompanied 
by  a  similar  statement,  including  any  changes  that  may  have  occuired 
during  the  year,  and  no  appropriations  shall  be  made  in  any  case  unless 
these  conditions  are  complied  with. 

\_Amendtnent Resolved,  1st.  That  the  rules  regulating  the  operations 

of  the  Board  be  so  changed,  that  aid  can  be  granted  in  cases  of  renewal, 
by  simple  application  of  Presbytery,  signed  by  the  Moderator  and 
Clerk.     Vol.  VI,  p.  17,  1884.] 


MINISTERIAL    RELIEF,  BOARD    OF.  209 

3.  "While  the  responsibility  of  recommending  applicants  rests  with 
the  Presbyteries,  and  shall  largely  govern  the  action  of  the  Board,  yet 
the  Board  shall  reserve  to  itself  the  right  to  appropriate  according  to  the 
merits  of  each  case  and  the  state  of  the  treasury. 

4.  The  fund  of  this  Board  shall  be  created  by  annual  contributions 
from  the  churches,  from  endowment  donations,  and  from  legacies. 

5.  All  bequests  and  special  donations,  when  not  otherwise  designated, 
shall  be  vested  in  a  permanent  fund. 

6.  The  annual  contributions  and  offerings  from  churches  and  in- 
dividuals, and  the  interest  from  the  permanent  fund,  shall  form  a  con- 
tingent fund,  which  shall  be  used  in  carrying  out  the  object  of  the 
Board. 

II.  By-Laws — 1.  The  stated  meetings  of  this  Board  shall  be  held 
quarterly,  viz.:  On  the  first  Tuesday  of  July,  October,  January  and 
April. 

2.  The  election  of  the  officers  shall  be  at  the  first  meeting  after  the 
General  Assembly  each  year. 

3.  All  moneys  paid  out  by  the  treasurer  shall  be  on  the  order  of  the 
Board  or  executive  committee,  signed  by  the  president  and  secretary. 

4.  The  following  shall  be  the  order  of  business:  1.  Prayer.  2. 
Reading  of  the  minutes.  3.  The  report  of  the  executive  committee  in 
writing.  4.  The  correspondence  of  the  secretary.  5.  The  report  of 
the  treasurer  in  writing.  G.  The  reports  of  committees.  7.  Applica- 
tions for  relief.  8.  Granting  of  orders.  9.  Unfinished  business.  10. 
New  business.     11.  Adjournment.     Vol.  IV,  p.  76,  1874,  p.  183,  1875. 

4.  Conditions  of  Grants  to  Beneficiaries. — i-  Grants  to  bene- 
ficiaries are  made  only  on  application  of  Presbytery.  The  Board  re- 
serves the  right  to  accept  or  reject,  or  alter  the  amount,  as  the  state  of 
the  treasury,  or  other  circumstances,  warrant. 

2.  All  moneys  are  remitted  quarterly,  in  June,  September,  Decem- 
ber and  March. 

3.  Grants  are  made  always  for  one  year.  Vol.  V,  p.  71, 1879.  [For 
renewal,  see  above,  under  Reg.  2.] 

0.  Presbyteries  to  Aid  in  the  Work. — Resolved,  3.  That  Pres- 
byteries be  reminded  of  the  importance  of  seeking  out  and  reporting  to 
the  Board,  all  requiring  aid.     Vol.  VI,  p.  17,  1884. 

6.  Limitation  of  Grants. — Resolved,  3.  That  the  Board  be,  and 
hereby  is,  instructed  to  limit  the  distribution  of  its  funds  to  the  objects 
designated  in  the  charter.     Vol  V,  \>.  361,  1881. 

7.  Report  of  the  Board — Resolved,  2.  That  we  request  the  Board 
to  publish  in  their  annual  report,  1st,  the  number  of  disabled  and  de- 
pendent ministers  ;  2d,  the  number  of  dependent  families ;  3d,  the 
whole  amount  each  has  received  up  to  date,  designating  them  by  con- 
secutive numbers  ;  4th,  the  whole  amount  disbursed  to  date ;  5th,  the 
amount  of  the  endowment  fund.     Vol.  VII,  p.  216,  1889. 

8.  Endowment  Fund. — Resolved,  l.  That  the  Assembly  establish 
a  permanent  endowment  fund,  and  aim,  in  the  course  of  time,  to  in- 
crease it  to  the  amount  of  $50,000,  including  the  amount  already  in- 
vested by  the  Board.     Vol.  IV,  p.  448,  1877. 

[The  Assembly  asked  special  donations  for  this  fund.     Vol.  V,  p.  26, 
1879.]     [The  amount  to  be  raised  for  the  Endowment  Fund  was  in- 
14 


210  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

creased  to  $100,000.  Vol,  VI,  p.  678,  1887.  This  fund  now  amounts 
to  $92,000.     Vol.  VII,  p.  70G,  1891.] 

9.  Mutual  Aid  Association. — [The  Board  of  Ministerial  Relief 
reported  a  plan  for  a  Ministers'  Mutual  Aid  Association.  Vol.  IV,  p. 
78,  1874.     It  was  not  adopted.] 

LXXI.     MINISTERS. 
1.  Ministers  From  Other  Churches. — [The  following  overture 

was  submitted  to  Presbyteries  :]  Presbyteries  shall  carefully  examine 
as  to  their  doctrinal  views  all  ministers  and  licentiates  from  other  de- 
nominations applying  for  admission  to  this  Church,  and  they  shall  sub- 
ject those  admitted  from  foreign  churches  to  a  probation  of  not  less  than 
six  months,  previous  to  their  settlement  over  any  congregation.  Vol. 
I,  p.  358,  18G2. 

[The  vote  on  this  overture  was,  ayes,  411  ;  nays,  56;  not  voting,  7. 
Vol.  I,  p.  490,  1863.  No  action  was  taken  by  the  General  Assembly, 
except  the  record  of  the  vote.  The  rule  does  not  appear  in  the  Book 
of  Government  subsequently  adopted.] 

.  2.  Ministers  Supplying  in  Vacancies. — Resolved,  2.  That  min- 
isters and  licentiates  be  and  are  hereby  forbidden  to  make  any  arrange- 
ments with  congregations  for  preaching,  except  through  the  Presbytery 
under  whose  care  such  congregation  may  be.  Vol.  IV,  p.  339,  1876. 
5.  That  sessions  of  vacant  congregations  in  seeking  to  have  their  pul- 
pits filled,  together  with  ministers  and  probationers  desiring  employ- 
ment or  settlement,  be  directed  to  apply  to  the  respective  Presbyteries 
to  have  their  wants  supplied,  and  also  to  conform  to  the  rules  of  the 
General  Assembly  respecting  Home  Mission  work.  Vol.  V,  p.  20, 
1879. 

3.  Rights  of  Unemployed  Ministers. — [The  Presbytery  of  Keo- 
kuk asked  for  a  rule  that  only  ministers  actually  engaged  in  the  work  of 
the  ministry,  be  counted  in  the  basis  of  representation  in  the  Assembly. 
The  Assembly  took  the  following  action  :]  The  rights  and  privileges, 
pertaining  to  the  ministerial  office  are  not  founded  on  the  exercise  of 
that  office.  By  ordination  to  the  office  of  the  ministry,  authority  to 
govern  as  well  as  to  teach  is  conferred.  The  non-exercise  of  the  right 
to  teach  does  not  in  any  way  affect  the  right  to  govern.  Vol.  IV,  p.  440, 
1877. 

4.  Increase  of  the  Number  of  Ministers. — The  Directors  of 

the  Allegheny  Theological  Seminary  asked  the  Assembly  to  take  steps 
looking  to  the  increase  of  the  ministry.  A  committee  was  appointed  to 
have  charge  of  this  matter  for  the  coming  year,  and  to  report  to  the 
next  Assembly.  The  committee  reported  tliat  a  letter  to  the  churches 
had  been  prepared  and  published  in  the  Church  papers,  and,  subse- 
quently, by  the  Allegheny  Seminary.  Vol.  VII,  p.  215,  1889  ;  p.  502, 
1890. 

Resolved,  That  we  urge  upon  parents  and  pastors  throughout  the 
Church  to  use  wise  endeavors  to  turn  the  promising  young  men  into  the 
ranks  of  the  ministry.     Vol.  VII,  p.  460,  1890. 

5.  That  ministers  and  elders,  and  especially  our  college  professors,  be 
urged  to  press  upon  young  men  the  claims  of  God  upon  them  for  the 
work  of  the  gospel  ministry.     Vol.  VII,  p.  635,  1891. 


MINISTliY,  AVITHDKAWAL    FKOM    THE.  211 

5.  Ministers   in  Secular  Pursuits.— [Tlie  Garnett  Presbytery 

asked  that  the  law  of  the  Church  be  so  amended  as  to  exclude  ministers 
who  are  devoted  to  pursuits  from  the  right  to  vote  in  cases  of  discipline. 
The  Assembly  adopted  the  following  :] 

Desirable  as  this  change  may  appear,  we  yet  think  that  ministers,  who 
are  in  good  standing,  cannot  with  propriety  be  deprived  of  this  right. 
As  long  as  they  have  the  right  to  preach,  they  have,  according  to  Pres- 
byterianism,  (which  we  hold  to  be  the  law  of  Christ,)  a  right  to  rule, 
and  this  includes  the  right  to  vote  in  cases  of  discipline.  Vol.  VII  n 
15,  1888.  '  ^' 

(3.  Inefficient  Ministers  may  be  Removed.— Resolved,  5.  That 

.    .  Presbyteries  be  earnestly   requested  to  exercise  a  more  watchful 
care  over  the  churches  and  promptly  remove  ministers  or  eldere  when  it 
is  known  that  congregations  are  declining  because  of  their  inefficiency, - 
Vol.  VII,  p.  640,  1891.  ^ 

7.  Record  of  Deceased  M.imsters. —Besolved,  3.  That  a  brief  re- 
cord of  deceased  ministers  be  preserved  in  the  minutes  of  the  Assembly 
in  suitable  tabular  form.     Vol.  IV,  p,  171,  1875. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  record  of  ministers  deceased  be  published  in  the 
minutes  from  year  to  year.     Vol.  IV,  p.  585,  1878. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Narra- 
tive shall  give,  in  statistical  form,  an  account  of  the  deceased  brethren 
as  to  parentage,  time  and  place  of  birth  and  death,  collegiate  and  theo- 
logical education,  their  places  of  labor  and  kind  of  employment,  &c  ,  &c 
Vol.  V,  p.  359,  1881.  '        »       • 

8.  Memorial  Service  for  Deceased    Ministers.— i?eso?wrf,  2u 

That  the  Permanent  Committee   [on  Narrative]  be  instructed  to  carry- 
out  the  arrangement  for  a  memorial  service,  [viz :  That  a  memorial  ser- 
vice for  the  dead  be  held  each  General  Assembly  under  the  direction  of 
the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Narrative  and  State  of  Reli^^ion  T- 
Vol.  V,  pp.  188,  242,  1880.  °       -"'' 

[The  first  Friday  evening  after  the  meeting  of  each  Assembly,  was 
set  apart  for  the  memorial  services.  Vol.  V,  p.  359,  1881.  This  ser- 
vice has  not  been  held  uniformly  at  this  time.] 

9.  A  Record  of  the  Ordination  of  Ministers.— i?eso/yerf,  8.  That 

the  second  clerk  be  directed  to  collect,  in  such  way  as  he  may  judge- 
best,  statistics  to  show  the  date  of  ordination  of  each  minister  in  the 
church,  and  the  name  of  the  Presbytery  in  which  he  was  ordained,  and 
report  the  same  to  the  next  Assembly.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  137,  1870. 

[This  record  was  prepared  and  published  with  the  Alphabetical  List 
of  Ministers  in  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly.] 

Resolved,  That  the  second  clerk  be  instructed  to  publish  the  record 
of  ordinations  once  in  each  volume  of  the  Minutes.  Vol.  IV,  n  584 
1878.  ^         ' 

LXXII.     MINISTRY,  WITHDRAWAL  FROM  THE. 

[The  Presbytery  of  Butler  submitted  to  the  Assembly  the  following 
question :  "  A  gospel  minister  in  good  standing  feels  that  it  is  the  Mas- 
ter's will   that  he  should  withdraw  from  the  active  ministry  and  engage 
in   some   secular  occupation.     What   steps   should   Presbytery  take   in- 
order  to  enable  him  to  do  so  and  remove  his  name  from  the  roll?" 


212  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

The  memorial  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Judiciary,  which 
submitted  a  report,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  233,  1889.  After  partial  action  the 
memorial  was  referred  to  a  committee,  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 
This  committee  reported.  Vol.  VII,  p.  500,  1890.  After  discussion, 
the  paper  was  referred  to  a  special  committee,  p.  405,  1890.  The  report 
presented  by  this  special  committee,  p.  435,  1890,  was  referred  to  the 
next  Assembly.  When  this  report  was  taken  up  by  the  following  As- 
sembly, a  substitute  was  entertained  and  adopted.     It  is  as  follows:] 

On  the  subject  of  the  Demission  of  the  Ministry,  which  was  brought 
before  the  Assembly  of  1889,  by  the  Presbytery  ©f  Butler,  the  follow- 
ing is  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly: 

I.  Every  one,  who  rightfully  occupies  the  ministerial  office,  has  been 
called  to  that  position  by  the  voice  of  Christ,  the  King  and  Head  of  the 
Church,  Rom.  x.  15,  and  Heb.  v.  4.  Ordination  by  a  Presbytery  is  an 
official  act,  done  in  the  name  of  Christ,  setting  a  man  apart  to  the  office 
to  which,  it  is  judged,  the  Lord  has  called  him. 

The  evidences  on  which  a  Presbytery  bases  its  judgment  as  to  a  man's 
call  to  the  ministry  are  mainly  the  possession  of  natural,  acquired,  and 
gracious  endowments  fitting  him  for  the  office;  leadings  of  Providence 
guiding  him  in  that  direction,  and  a  persuasion  apparently  wrought  in 
the  man's  soul  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  that  he  is  called  of  God  to  this 
office.  It  is  quite  possible  that  an  applicant  for  ordination  should  be 
mistaken  in  his  conviction  concerning  the  call  of  the  Lord,  and  a  Pres- 
bytery may  also  be  mistaken  in  its  judgment  of  the  matter,  so  that  a 
man  may  come  into  the  ministery  by  the  mistakes  of  men  and  not  by 
the  will  of  God.  When  experience  has  made  such  a  niistake  apparent, 
it  is  plainly  the  duty  of  Presbytery  to  undo  it  by  annulling  the  act  of 
ordination  and  releasing  the  man  from  his  office. 

II.  There  may  be  cases  where  a  man  has  been  called  by  the  Lord 
into  the  ministry  for  a  time,  but  has  been  laid  aside  by  some  providence 
intervening,  which  unfits  him  entirely  and  permanently  for  the  duties 
of  his  office,  but  leaves  him  with  ability  to  serve  the  Lord  in  other  ways. 
It  would  appear  to  be  clearly  the  will  of  the  Master,  in  such  cases,  that 
the  man  should  be  released  from  his  office  that  he  may  be  free  to  serve 
the  Lord  in  those  duties  for  which  he  is  capable.  In  such  cases  the 
minister  should  himself  ask  to  be  released,  but  it  is  competent  to  the 
Presbytery  to  take  the  initiative  if  he  does  not.  In  this  latter  case  the 
Presbytery  should  not  take  final  action  in  releasing  the  minister  without 
first  obtaining  his  consent.  These  cases,  however,  are  to  be  carefully 
distinguished  from  those  where  old  age  or  other  infirmities  have  parti- 
ally or  entirely  rendered  a  minister  unable  for  the  duties  of  his  office. 
It  is  evidently  the  will  of  the  Lord  that  such  servants  of  his  should  re- 
tain their  office  to  the  end  of  life,  although  unable  to  discharge  the  act- 
ive duties  of  it. 

III.  There  are,  no  doubt,  instances  where  a  man  has  been  called  and 
set  apart  to  the  ministry  by  the  will  of  God,  but  who,  through  neglect 
to  cultivate  his  talents,  or  by  yielding  to  the  allurements  of  the  world, 
has  grown  weary  of  his  sacred  office  and  desires  to  be  released  from  his 
ordination  vows.  If  a  Presbytery  should  grant  him  such  a  release  with- 
out censure,  it  would  be  to  become  partaker  of  his  sin.  It  is  the  duty  of 
Presbytery  in  such  cases  to  endeavor  to  reclaim  the  man  to  the  path  of 


MIXUTES    OF    THK    GENERAL    ASSEMBLY.  213 

dutv,  or,  if  failing  in  that,  to  inflict  u\)Ou  him  the  censures  of  the  churcli. 
Vol.  YII,  p.  G30;  1891. 

Lxxiii.    minutp:8  of  the  general  assembly. 

1.  Compensation  for  Superintending  the  Publication  of  the 

Minutes. — One  hundred  dollars  were  appropriated  to  the  committee  to 
superintend  the  printing  and  publication  of  the  ^Minutes.  Vol.  II,  p. 
321,  18GG. 

Resolved,  That  the  clerks  of  the  General  Assembly  be  authorized  to 
expend  a  sum,  not  exceeding  S50,  for  the  revision  of  the  Minutes  of  the 
General  Assembly.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  535,  1873.  \j^'2ij  additional  was 
granted  to  the  Clerks  for  preparing  the  Minutes.  Vol.  VI,  p.  238, 
1885.] 

2.  The  Minutes  to  be  Published  by  the  Board  of  Publication. 

[The  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  had  been  published  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Evangelical  Repository. ~\ 

Resolved,  1.  That  hereafter  the  publication  of  the  Minutes  be  com- 
mitted to  the  Board  of  Publication,  and  that,  under  the  superintendence 
of  the  clerks  of  the  Assembly,  they  be  issued  in  the  name  of  the  Board, 
in  the  same  way  as  are  other  publications.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  33,  1869. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  publication  of  the  Minutes  of  the  General  As- 
sembly be  committed  to  the  Board  of  Publication,  the  size  of  the  edition 
to  be  issued,  and  the  price  per  copy  to  be  left  to  the  discretion  of  the 
Board.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  281,  1871. 

3.  An  Index  of  the  Minutes  to  be  Prepared  by  the  Clerks. — 

Resolved,  2.  That,  hereafter,  a  full  index  of  each  number  of  the  Min- 
utes be  prepai-ed  on  the  same  plan,  by  the  clerks  of  the  Assembly,  and 
appended,  and  a  general  index  at  the  close  of  each  volume.  Vol.  II,  p. 
511,  1868. 

4.  The  Minutes  Not  to  be  Transcribed. — [Resolutions  with 

reference  to  transcribing  the  IMinutes  wert^  presented  to  the  Assembly 
of  1871,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  285.  They  were  referred  to  the  clerks  of  the 
Assembly,  with  instruction  to  take  legal  advice  thereto  and  report  to 
the  next  Assembly.  This  legal  advice  was  reported  to  the  Assembly, 
Vol.  Ill,  pp.  379,  380,  1872,  when  the  following  action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  princijjal  clerk  be  not  required,  after  the 
present  meeting,  to  transcribe  the  Minutes  into  a  book  prepared  for  that 
purpose. 

2.  That,  instead  thereof,  he  be  directed  to  certify,  over  his  own  sig- 
nature, to  the  correctness  of  at  least  ten  copies  of  the  printed  Minutes; 
one  to  be  preserved  among  the  archives  of  the  Assembly  as  the  official 
copy,  and  one  to  be  deposited  in  the  library  of  each  of  our  theological 
seminaries.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  380,  1872. 

5.  Expense  of  Binding  the  Minutes. — Resolved,  3.  That  the  ex- 
pen  se  of  binding  the  official  minutes  for  preservation  be  defrayed  out  ot 
the  Assembly's  fund.     Vol.  V,  p.  3.S,  1879. 

6.  Gratuitous  Copies  of  the  Minutes. — [By  order  of  the  General 

Assembly,  copies  of  tlie  jNIinutes  of  the  General  Assemljly  are  furnished 
by  the  Board  of  Publication  gratuitously  to  the  Corresponding  Secre- 
taries of  the  several  Boards,  to  the  Library  of  each  Theological   Semin- 


.214  DIGEST    or    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

ary,  to  each  foreign  missionary,  to  the  clerks  of  Synods  and  Presby- 
teries, to  Financial  Agents  and  Superintendents  of  Missions,  and  to  the 
delegates  from  corresponding  Churches,  the  expenses  to  be  paid  out  of 
the  funds  appropriated  to  the  Board  of  Publication.]  Vol.  Ill,  p. 
-33.  1869,  Tol.  IV,  p.  33,  1874. 

LXXIV.     MISSIONARY  PRESBYTERIES. 
1.  The  Relation  of  Missionary  Presbyteries  to  the  Assembly. 

"Whereas,  The  subordination  and  supervision  of  Churcii  courts  con- 
stitute a  fundamental  principle  of  Presbyterianism  ;  and, 

"Whereas,  Our  foreign  missionary  Presbyteries,  and  the  Presby- 
teries of  Oregon  and  San  Francisco,  are  not  related  to  any  Synod,  and 
are  not  subject  to  have  their  proceedings  reviewed  by  such  a  court-; 
therefore, 

Resolved,  That  our  foreign  missionary  Presbyteries  and  the  Presby- 
tfciies  of  Oregon  and  San  Francisco  stand  in  the  same  relation  to  the 
-General  Assembly  as  that  in  which  any  Presbytery  at  home  stands  to  its 
Synod,  and  that  these  Presbyteries  henceforth  be  required  to  send  up 
ctrtified  copies  of  their  minutes  annually  to  the  General  Assembly  for 
revision  ;  but  it  is  understood  that  in  cases  of  disciphne,  appeals  cannot 
be  entertained.  Vol.  IV,  p.  189,  187.5.  [This  paper  was  laid  on  the 
table.] 

[See  also  Oregon.  Presbytery  of.] 

[The  question  of  tlie  relation  of  the  foreign  mission  Presbyteries  to 
the  General  Assembly  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Judiciary,  and 
-the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

AVhereas,  It  is  a  fundamental  principle  in  our  Presbyterian  polity 
that  every  subordinate  court  shall  be  under  the  control  and  subject  to 
.the  revision  of  the  superior  courts;  and. 

Whereas,  The  Presbyteries  of  Egypt  and  Sialkot  are  isolated  and 
without  Synodical  connection  and  control,  and  therefore  their  proceed- 
ings have  not  been  subject  to  revision  of  a  superior  court;  and. 

Whereas,  These  Presbyteries,  from  the  very  necessity  of  the  case, 
have  practically  Synodical  powers;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  of  Egypt  and  Sialkot  be  directed  to 
submit  to  each  General  Assembly  a  certified  copy  of  their  records  for 
revision.      Vol.  V,  p.  "29,  1879. 

■2.  Minutes  of  Foreign  Missionary  Presbyteries.— ^eso/ve^/, 

'That   the  Presbyteries  of  Egypt  and  Sialkot  be  directed   to  submit  to 
•  each  Assembly  a  certified  copy  of  their  records  for  revision.      Vol.  V, 
p.  '29,  1879. 

1.  That  Presbyteries  in  foreign  lands  be  directed  to  forward  their 
minutes  annually,  in  Englisii  translations.      Vol.  V,  p.  200,  1880. 

[The  Missionary  Association  of  Egypt  asked  that  the  Presbytery  of 
"Egyjit  be  exempted  from  sending  a  copy  of  its  minutes  for  revision. 
On  this  the  action  was  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  Presbytery  of  Egypt,  in  view  of  the  labor  in- 
volved in  a  translation  of  the  entire  proceedings  of  its  meetings,  be 
■excused,  as  requested,  and  be  directed  instead  to  forward  a  full  abstract 
of  the  proceedings  in  Englisii.     Vol.  VII,  p.  41G,  1890. 


MISSIONS,   SPECIAL    FUND    FOR.  215 

3.  Preservation  of  the  Records  of  Foreign  Presbyteries.— 

Resolved,  That  in  view  of  tlie  danger  to  which  tliese  Presbyteries  are 
exposed,  of  the  loss  or  destruction  of  their  papers,  these  copies  of  their 
minutes  be  placed  in  the  charge  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Historical 
Society,  to  be  deposited  with  other  valuable  historical  documents. 
Vol.  Y,  p.  200,  1880. 

LXXV.     MISSIONARY  WORK  AMONG   FOREIGNERS. 

1.  Missionary  Work  Among-  the  Germans.— Whereas,  There 

are  tliousands  of  German  people  within  the  bounds  of  our  congregations 
in  whose  spiritual  condition  great  civil  and  moral,  as  well  as  religious, 
interests  are  involved  ; 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  consider  the 
best  means  of  reaching  these  people,  especially  in  the  way  of  giving 
more  attention  to  the  German  language  in  our  educational  institutions, 
and  providing  a  Psalter  and  other  United  Presbyterian  literature  in  the 
German  language,  said  committee  to  report  to  next  Assembly.  Vol. 
Y,  J).  743,  1883. 

[This  committee  reported,  Vol.  VI,  p.  9o,  1884.  The  Assembly 
adopted  the  following :] 

Resolved,  5.  Inasmuch  as  there  are  metrical  versions  of  the  Psalms 
in  the  German  language,  it  is  unnecessary  to  undertake  the  work  of 
providing  any  additional  version  at  the  present  time.  Vol.  VI,  p.  30, 
1884. 

2.  Missionary  Work  Among  Our  Foreign  Population.— [A 

memorial  was  presented  from  the  Fourth  Church,  Allegheny,  in  regard 
to  missionary  work  among  the  rapidly  increasing  foreign  element  in 
our  country.     The  Assembly  adopted  the  following:] 

Resolved,  8.  That  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  be  instructed  to  in- 
augurate work  among  our  foreign  population,  if  a  way  to  do  so  be  found 
practicable.     Vol.  VII,  p.  G3o,  1891. 

LXXVI.     MISSIONS,   SPECIAL  FUND  FOR. 

[A  memorial  from  the  Mission  Boards  set  forth  tliat  an  individual 
had  ))roposed  to  give  fifty  thousand  dollars  towards  a  special  fund  of  five 
hundred  thousand  dollars  for  missioiis.  The  memorial  was  referred  to 
a  committee,  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  Vol.  VII,  p.  36,  1888. 
This  committee  reported,  and  the  Assembly  accordingly  postponed  ac- 
tion, and  appointed  a  committee  to  present  to  the  next  Assembly  a  defi- 
nite plan  for  raising  this  or  a  similar  fund.  Vol.  VII,  pp.  231,  294, 
1889.  This  committee  reported,  p.  498,  1890,  and  the  Assembly 
adopted  the  following:] 

Resolved,  5.  After  considering  carefully  the  report  of  the  Committee 
on  a  Special  Fund  for  Missions,  we  deem  it  advisable  to  recommend  the 
continuance  of  this  committee  another  year,  allowing  them  to  act  as  their 
discretion  may  direct.  We  would  also  commend  to  the  Assembly  a  re- 
commendation of  this  committee,  viz.:  "That  a  more  vigorous  effort  be 
made  to  augment  the  contributions  of  our  churches  for  mission  work 
through  the  ordinary  channels,  and  that  Presbyteries  be  instructed  to 
have  all  the  congregations  under  their  care  visited  by  energetic  men,  to 
bring  this  burning  subject  before  the  people."     Vol.  VII,  p.  429,  1890, 


216  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

[The  committee  renewed  its  former  report  that  the  time  did  not  seem 
opportune  for  the  movement,  adding :  If  this  Assembly,  composed  of 
different  commissioners  from  the  former  Assemblies  that  have  acted  on 
this  matter,  and  with  a  fuller  knowledge  than  we  possess  of  the  ability 
and  willingness  of  those  they  represent  to  contribute  of  their  substance 
to  this  fund,  should  decide  to  raise  this  money,  we  would  recommend  the 
appointment  of  a  committee  to  vigorously  prosecute  the  work.  If,  how- 
ever, the  prospects  are  not  flattering,  we  recommend  the  discharge  of 
your  committee.  Vol.  VII,  729,  1891.  The  report  was  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  Appro[)riations,  p.  623,  but  no  action  was  taken.] 

LXXVII.     NATIONAL   REFORM. 

1.  Religious  Amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the  United 

States. — Resolved,  That  we  lament  that  there  is  not  a  more  distinct 
and  full  recognition  of  the  existence  of  God,  and  the  supremacy  of  his 
law,  as  revealed  in  the  Scriptures,  in  our  national  constitution  than  it 
contains  ;  that  an  amendment  introducing  a  becoming  recognition  of 
God  into  it,  at  least  the  preamble  or  adopting  act  of  the  constitution,  is 
much  to  be  desired;  and  that  we  instruct  our  people  that  it  is  their 
duty,  as  Christian  citizens,  to  favor  and  co-operate  with  every  legitimate 
effort  that  may  be  made  for  this  end.     Vol.  I,  p.  498,  1863. 

Resolved,  1.  That,  in  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  it  is  desirable, 
and  a  duty,  that  the  constitution  of  the  United  States  be  ?o  amended  as 
to  recognize  the  supremacy  of  God  and  his  law,  and  of  his  Son,  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  in  his  character  as  the  Governor  of  the  nations. 

2.  That  it  be  recommended  by  this  Assembly  to  the  ministers  and 
other  members  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Churcii  to  co-operate  in  all 
proper  measures  with  their  fellow  citizens  for  amending  the  constitution 
of  the  United  States,  so  as  to  secure  the  accomplishment  of  this  import- 
ant end.     Vol.  II,  p.  28,  1864. 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  cordially  sympathize  with  that  movement  which 
has  for  its  object  such  an  amendment  of  our  national  constitution,  that 
it  shall  contain  a  distinct  recognition  of  the  true  God  ;  an  acknowledg- 
ment of  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Ruler  of  the  nations  ;  and  the  supreme  au- 
thority of  the  sacred  Scri[)tures. 

2.  That  we  recommend  to  all  tlie  members  of  the  United  Presbyte- 
rian Church  to  co-operate  in  all  proper  efforts  to  secure  the  accomplish- 
ment of  this  desirable  object.      Vol.  II,  [).  493,  1868.  " 

Whereas,  God  is  the  su})reme  source  of  civil  authority,  and  his  law 
as  revealed,  not  only  by  the  light  of  nature  in  reason  and  conscience, 
but  also  as  more  clearly  revealed  in  the  Scriptures,  is  the  fundamental 
rule  by  which  nations  are  to  be  guided  in  the  conduct  of  their  civil 
affairs  ;  and,  whereas,  it  pleased  God  in  his  eternal  purpose  to  choose 
and  ordain  the  Lord  Jesus,  his  only  begotten  Son,  to  be  the  heir  of  all 
things,  and  Judge  of  the  world,  by  virtue  of  which  appointment  he  ex- 
ercises a  dominion  over  all  created  persons  and  things,  which  dominion 
all  intelligent  beings,  to  whom  he  has  been  revealed,  are  bound  to  ac- 
knowledge in  their  respective  stations  and  relations  ;  and,  whereas,  the 
constitution  of  the  United  States  contains  no  explicit  recognition  of 
God,  or  of  the  supremacy  of  his  law,  or  of  subjection  of  the  nation  to 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  therefore. 


ORDINATION    OF    MINISTERS.  217 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  omission,  whether  due  to  oversight  or  inten- 
tion, is  a  serious  defect  in  that  otherwise  excellent  instrument,  and  one 
which  should,  by  legal  and  constitutional  means,  be  removed. 

2.  That  the  removal  of  this  defect  from  our  fundamental  law  is  nec- 
essary to  harmonize  it  with  the  Christian  laws  and  usages  of  our  people. 

3.  That  the  want  of  harmony  between  the  principles  on  which  our 
State  constitutions  and  laws  are  founded,  and  those  which  underlie  the 
constitution  of  the  United  States,  cannot  continue.  The  result  will  be, 
and  in  the  nature  of  things  must  be,  that  our  laws  will  be  brought  down 
to  the  level  of  the  constitution,  or  the  constitution  will  be  elevated  to 
the  plane  of  our  Christian  legislation.     Vol.  V,  p.  201,  1880. 

Resolved,  2.  That  we  commend  the  work  of  the  National  Reform  As- 
sociation to  the  sympathy  and  support  of  the  members  of  our  Church. 
Vol.  V,  p.  714,  1883. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  various  utterances  of  former  Assemblies,  relat- 
ing to  National  Reform,  be  reaffirmed.     Vol.  VI,  p.  432,  1886. 

Resolved,  2.  That  pastors  be  recommended  to  keep  this  reform  before 
our  people,  and  to  afford  opportunities  for  the  presentation  of  this  cause 
by  the  district  secretaries,  and  to  ask  for  it  the  liberal  contributions  of 
their  congregations.     Vol.  VI,  p.  675,  1887. 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  endorse  and  commend  the  National  Reform 
movement,  the  aim  of  which  is  to  secure  a  national  acknowledgment  of 
Almighty  God  as  the  source  of  all  authority  in  civil  government,  of  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  as  the  Ruler  of  nations,  and  of  his  revealed  will  as 
the  supreme  standard  by  which  to  decide  all  moral  issues  in  national 
life,  and  to  place  all  the  Christian  laws,  institutions  and  usages  of  the 
government  upon  an  undeniably  legal  basis  in  the  fundamental  law  of 
the  land.     Vol.  VII,  j).  422,  1890. 

On  a  petition  from  the  Secretary  of  the  National  Reform  Association 
in  behalf  of  the  recognition  of  Christ  and  the  Bible  by  political  parties, 
etc  : 

Resolved,  That  the  petition  be  granted,  and  that  it  be  signed  by  the 
Moderator  and  Clerk  and  returned  to  the  petitioner.  Vol.  VII,  p.  631, 
1891. 

LXXVIII.     ORDINATION  OF  MINISTERS. 
La3ring  on  of  Hands  by  Ruling  Elders.— [The  Presbytery  of 

Steubenville  asked  a  deliverence  on  tlie  following  question  :  "  Is  the 
imposition  of  hands  by  ruling  elders,  in  the  ordination  of  ministers, 
required  or  permitted  in  our  Book  of  Government?"  The  General 
Assembly  adopted  the  following:] 

In  our  judgment,  ordination  is  valid  in  the  case  of  ministers  only  as 
authorized  by  Presbytery  in  constituted  capacity. 

When  so  authorized,  its  administration  by  the  imposition  of  hands  is 
technically  the  act  of  Presbytery,  if  performed  only  by  the  presiding 
officer  in  the  name  and  as  the  exponent  of  Presbytery. 

This  appears  involved  in  a  strict  construction  of  Book  of  Govern- 
ment, Part  II,  Chap.  6,  Art.  2,  Sec.  7,  which  also  expressly  points  to 
a  minister  as  the  officer  to  preside  on  the  occasion  ;  as  though  in 
recognition  of  Part  I,  Chap.  4,  Art.  2,  which  directly  imputes  to 
"teaching  elders "  the  power  of  ordination,  and  specifies  for  them  a 
duty  to  "ordain  successors." 


218  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Moreover,  our  Book,  Part  I,  Chap.  O,  Art.  2,  Sec.  5,  indicates  a 
Presbytery  to  be  duly  constituted  if  composed  only  of  three  ministers, 
and  hence  competent,  without  a  ruling  elder,  to  authorize  and  to  ad- 
minister ordination. 

It  is  therefore  respectfully  submitted,  that  the  imposition  of  hands  on 
the  part  of  elders  not  teaching  is  not  required  for  the  ordination  of 
ministers,  and  as  it  is  not  required,  and  especially  in  view  of  the 
omission  from  the  Book  of  any  indication  of  such  prerogative  as  per- 
taining to  elders  of  the  second  rank,  it  is  technically  to  be  regarded  as 
not  permitted.     Vol.  Y,  p.  17,  1879. 

LXXIX.     OREGON,  PPvESBYTERY  OF. 
The  Presbytery  of  Oregon  Recognized  as  a  Part   of  the 

United  Presbyterian  Church. — The  Presbytery  of  Oregon  signify 
their  cordial  reception  of  the  Testimony  and  other  doctrinal  standards 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  ;  but,  owing  to  their  remote  position, 
they  reserve  the  right  of  final  jurisdiction  over  all  matters,  except  such 
•as  may  be  appealed  directly  to  the  General  Assembly;  and,  moreover, 
reserve  the  right  of  sending  delegates  to  the  General  Assembly,  as  they 
may  deem  expedient. 

Hesolved,  That  the  General  Assembly  cordially  acquiesce  in  the 
proposal  of  the  Presbytery  of  Oregon,  and  regard  it  as  one  of  the  Pres- 
byteries under  its  care.     Vol.  I,  p.  107,  18G0. 

LXXX.     OVERTURES. 

1.  A  Two-thirds  Vote  Necessary  in  Order  to  an  Overture. 

— Resolved,  2.  That  in  order  to  prevent  and  remedy  this  evil,  [viz.,  the 
bringing  before  the  Assembly  subjects  likely  to  require  overture,  or 
produce  unnecessary  or  injurious  agitation,]  the  Assembly  do  adopt  it 
as  a  rule  of  procedure  for  the  future  :  That  no  subject  shall  be  handed 
down  in  overture  to  the  Presbyteries,  except  on  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of 
the  members  of  the  Assembly  present.     Vol.  Ill,  p,  150,  1870. 

"Whereas,  The  Assembly  of  1870  adopted  it  as  a  standing  rule  of 
f)rocedure,  that  no  subject  shall  be  handed  down  in  overture  to  the 
Presbyteries,  except  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  the  As- 
sembly present;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  any  further  action  on  the  transmission  of  overtures 
is  unnecessary,     Vol.  V,  p.  16,  1879. 

2.  Definition   of  "a  Clear   Majority." — [The  Assembly  was 

asked  to  give  a  definition  of  tlie  expression  "  a  clear  majority  of  the 
votes  of  the  whole  Church,"  in  Part  I,  Chap.  A',  Art.  IV,  Sec.  5,  of  the 
Book  of  Government.     The  following  was  adopted  :] 

A  vote  is  something  difterent  from  not  voting.  One  more  than  half 
the  votes  cast  is  evidently  "  a  clear  majority."  The  majority  voting 
settles  the  matter,  without  reference  to  those  not  voting.  They  are  then 
reckoned  with  the  majority,  according  to  Rule  of  Order,  No.  65.  Vol. 
V,  p.  367.  1881. 

3.  Overture  on  Amendment  to  the  Law  of  Overtures. — 

[The  General  Assembly  appointed  a  commitlee  of  five  persons  to  con- 
sider the  propriety  of  overturing  an  amendment  to  the  law  of  overtures, 


OVERTURES.  219 

and  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  Vol.  V,  p.  740,  1883.  The  com- 
mittee reported,  and  tlie  General  Assembly  submitted  to  the  Presby- 
teries the  following  overtures:] 

Shall  Section  5,  Article  IV,  Chapter  V,  Part  I,  of  the  Book  of  Gov- 
ernment be  amended  so  as  to  read  as  follows  : 

No  regulation  affecting  the  doctrine,  worship  or  government  of  the 
Church  shall  be  adopted,  until,  by  a  two-thirds  vote  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, it  shall  have  been  transmitted  in  overture  to  the  Presbyteries. 
A  vote  thereon  shall  be  taken  in  each  Presbytery,  and  carefully  re- 
corded, and,  together  with  the  number  of  members  present  when  the 
vote  was  taken,  shall  be  duly  certified  to  the  General  Assembly.  When 
an  overture  is  approved  by  a  majority  of  the  members  thus  present,  the 
General  Assembly  shall  enact  such  regulation,  unless  peculiar  circum- 
stances, in  view  of  two-thirds  of  the  enrolled  members,  render  it  inex- 
dient. 

The  General  Assembly  shall  have  power  to  make  such  regulations  as 
may  be  necessary  to  carry  out  the  provisions  of  this  section.  Vol.  A^I, 
p.  ie,  1884. 

[The  vote  on  this  overture  was  :  Ayes,  113;  nays,  791.  Twenty- 
one  Presbyteries  were  reported  as  not  voting.  Whereupon  the  Assem- 
bly declared  the  overture  not  adopted.]     Vol.  VI,  p.  224,  1885. 

[Several  Presbyteries  asked  that  an  overture  be  sent  down  to  the 
Presbyteries  on  the  law  of  overtures,  specially  with  reference  to  changes 
in  the  mode  of  submitting  an  overture,  and  concerning  who  shall  vote, 
and  the  manner  of  summing  up  the  vote.  The  General  Assembly, 
"while  conceding  the  necessity  for  further  legislation  on  this  subject," 
•was  "of  the  opinion  that  the  time  had  not  yet  yet  arrived"  for  any  ac- 
tion, and  declined  to  grant  the  prayer  of  the  memorialists.  Vol.  VI, 
p.  224,  1885.] 

4.  The  Moral  Right  to  Change  the  Standards  by  Overture. 

— The  memorialists  represent  themselves  as  loyal  members  of  the  church, 
asking  for  protection  in  the  rights  which  they  claim  were  guaranteed  to 
them  as  members  of  the  church.  They  say,  "In  accepting  our  profes- 
sion of  agreement  with  these  standards,  the  church  guaranteed  to  us  the 
right  to  all  the  privileges  and  immunities  of  membership,  and  came 
under  solemn  obligation  to  protect  us  in  these  privileges  and  immunities 
•while  we  continue  to  adhere  to  this  profession.  But  in  permitting  a 
different  mode  of  worship  to  be  introduced  from  that  which  the  church 
required  us  to  profess  and  maintain  as  the  only  mode  agreeable  to  the 
word  of  God,  that  protection  has  been  withdrawn  from  us."  They  also 
say,  "While  the  church  has  a  legal  right  under  her  law  of  overture  to 
repeal  the  rule  in  her  standards,  excluding  the  use  of  instruments  from 
•worship,  we  believe  she  had  no  moral  right  to  do  so." 

In  answer  to  these  claims,  the  Assembly  asserts  that  the  protection 
and  privileges  of  the  church  are  guaranteed  only  to  those  who  accept  of 
her  profession,  and  this  profession  plainly  and  distinctly  involves  the 
law  of  overture  by  which  the  rule  upon  this  question  has  been  changed, 
as  these  memorialists  themselves  admit,  when  they  concede  the  church 
the  legal  right  to  make  the  change.  And  the  Assembly  further  declares 
that,  as  the  legal  right  to  make  the  change  involves  the  moral  right, 
when  the  church  in  the  exercise  of  the  right  repeals  any  of  her  laws  she 


220  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

is  under  no  obligation  to  protect  those  who  are  in  opposition  to  the 
change  thus  made,  excepting  that  of  the  law  of  forbearance  in  love. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  29,  1888. 

LXXXI.     PASTORAL  CHARGE. 

1.  Definition  of  "a  Pastoral  Charge." — [The  Presbytery  of 

Westmoreland  asked  the  General  Assembly  to  define  what  constitutes  a 
"  pastoral  charge,"  as  the  term  is  used  in  the  Form  of  Government, 
Chap.  V,  Art.  II,  Sec.  1.  The  report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Judi- 
ciary was  adopted  as  follows  :] 

Your  Committee  are  ol  the  opinion  that  the  phrase  is  here  used  in  its 
common  and  ordinary  sense.  What  this  is,  may  be  clearly  ascertained 
from  the  uniform  practice  of  the  Church,  and  from  its  use  in  the  con- 
stitution of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  which  reads  as  follows ; 
"  Whenever  practicable,  mission  stations  and  congregations  shall  be 
grouped  together  in  convenient  pastoral  charges,  and  no  station  shall  be 
recommended  for  aid  which  can  be  conveniently  united  with  a  neigh- 
boring station  or  congregation  in  one  charge,  for  which  no  help  would 
be  necessary." 

This  language  evidently  teaches  that  a  pastoral  charge  may  consist  of 
a  number  of  congregations  grouped  by  a  Presbytery,  and  comprising 
one  pastoral  settlement,  or  so  grouped  by  the  Presbytery  as  to  form  a 
suitable  charge  for  one  pastor,  and  so  grouped,  also,  on  the  ground  that 
they  are  able  and  willing  to  support  a  pastor. 

We  therefore  submit,  for  the  adoption  of  the  Assembly,  the  follow— 

Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  a  pastoral  charge 
is  a  regularly  organized  congregation  under  a  pastor,  or  a  group  of  reg- 
ularly organized  congregations  recognized  by  the  Presbytery  as  under 
the  charge  of  one  pastor  ;  or  it  is  such  a  congregation,  or  sucii  a  group 
of  congregations,  as  is  able  and  willing,  with  or  without  aid,  to  support 
a  pastor,  and  which,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery,  would  be  suit- 
able to  form  one  pastoral  settlement.  And  only  such  congregation,  or 
group  of  congregations,  according  to  our  Book  of  Discipline,  can  be 
represented  in  a  Presbytery  by  one  ruling  elder.  Vol.  V,  p.  512, 
1882. 

2.  Proposed  Change  of  "Pastoral  Charge  "  to  Session." — See 

Presbytery,  Constitution  of. 

LXXXII.    PASTORS. 

1.  How  a  Pastor  may  be  Called  and  Installed  in  an  Iso- 
lated Congregation. — The  Session  of  the  congregation  of  San  Fran- 
cisco ask  to  be  advised  in  the  steps  they  shall  take  in  making  out  a  call 
as  they  wish  Mr.  Gibson,  your  missionary,  to  become  their  permanent 
pastor.  Owing  to  the  facts  that  this  congregation  is  not  under  the  care 
of  any  Presbytery;  that  the  person  of  their  choice  is  laboring  in  their 
midst ;  and  that  he  is  the  only  ordained  minister  you  have  within  hun- 
dreds of  miles  of  them;  your  committee  are  of  opinion  that  a  somewhat 
unusual  course  sliould  be  taken  in  the  case. 

Your  committee  think  that  upon  placing  this  congregation  under  tlie 


PRAYER,  A    DAY    OF    SPECIAL.  221 

Presbytery  of  most  convenient  access,  that  Presbytery  might  either  ap- 
point Mr.  Gibson  himself  to  moderate  in  the  call,  or  authorize  some  one 
of  the  ruling  elders  of  tliat  congregation  to  do  so,  and  that,  upon  receiv- 
ing and  sustaining  that  call,  and  receiving  by  letter  Mr.  Gibson's 
acceptance  of  the  call,  the  Presbytery  might  declare  him  the  settled 
pastor  of  said  congregation.  We  therefore  recommend  the  adoption  of 
the  following  resolutions  : 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  congregation  of  San  Francisco  be  placed  under 
the  care  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Presbytery  of  Oregon. 

2.  That  this  Presbytery  be  directed  to  take  measures,  as  soon  as 
practicable,  to  consummate  the  wishes  of  the  congregation,  Vol.  II,  p. 
397,1867. 

2.  Presbyterial  Oversight  of  the  Payment  of  the  Salaries 

of  Pastors. — Resolved,  That  the  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  use  dili- 
gent means  and  measures  to  secure  the  full  payment  of  the  salaries  of 
the  pastors  within  their  respective  bounds.     Vol.  V,  p.  720,  1883. 

LXXXIII.     PATTERSON'S  APPEAL. 

[Mrs.  Mary  A.  Patterson  appealed  to  the  General  Assembly  from  a 
decision  of  the  Synod  of  Illinois.  The  Judiciary  Committee  reported 
an  agreement  of  compromise  entered  into  by  the  representatives  of  the 
parties.  This  was  approved  by  the  General  Assembly  and  the  case  dis- 
missed.    Vol.  VII,  p.  418,  1890.] 

LXXXIV.     PEACE. 

International  Arbitration. — Resolved,  That  it  is  the  duty  of  the 
church,  and  especially  of  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  to  labor  in  every 
proper  way  for  the  advancement  of  the  cause  of  peace,  and  that  we  hail 
with  heartfelt  gratitude  the  effort  now  being  put  forth  both  in  this 
country  and  in  Europe,  by  eminent  Christian  statesmen  and  philanthro- 
pists, to  provide  a  system  of  international  arbitration  for  the  settlement  of 
difficulties  that  may  arise  between  nations,  and  that  we  hereby  pledge 
to  our  own  government  our  hearty  sympathy  and  co-operation  in  all 
proper  efforts  for  securing  this  glorious  result.     Vol.  IV,  p.  319,  1876. 

[A  memorial  was  presented  to  the  Assembly  from  a  committee  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States, 
asking  the  appointment  of  a  delegate  to  a  joint  committee  of  Churches 
to  petition  the  governments  of  the  world  in  favor  of  peace.  The  As- 
sembly adopted  the  following :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  petition  be  granted. 

2.  That be  appointed  a  delegate,  who  shall  meet  the  delegates 

from  other  bodies  addressed.     Vol.  VII,  p.  631,  1891. 

LXXXV.     PRAYER,  A  DAY  OF  SPECIAL. 

[A  memorial  from  a  convention  held  at  Xenia,  0.,  was  presented, 
asking  the  appointment  of  a  day  of  prayer,  and  the  following  action 
was  taken :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly,  taking  into  consideration  the  great 
work  which  the  Lord  is  giving  us  as  a  Church  to  do,  together  with  the 


222  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

responsibilities  wliich  it  involves,  and  overwhelmed  with  the  sense  of 
our  obligations  to  him  for  his  unmerited  favor  in  blessing  the  work  of 
our  hand  in  all  the  various  fields  of  labor  in  which  he  has  given  to  us 
to  be  co-workers  with  him,  and  at  the  same  time  deeply  conscious  and 
ashamed  of  our  own  ingratitude  and  our  vast  shortcoming  in  this  work^ 
and  of  our  unmeetness  for  the  great  responsibilities  that  are  upon  us  for 
the  future,  by  reason  of  the  weakness  of  our  faith  and  the  power  of  un- 
belief in  us,  the  want  of  whole-hearted  devotion  to  the  person  and  cause  of 
our  glorious  Lord  and  Captain  of  our  salvation,  and  our  worldliness,  and 
most  earnestly  desiring  to  embrace  and  improve  the  opportunities  which 
he  is  offering  to  us  in  his  providence,  hereby  calls  the  whole  church  to 
xtnite  in  the  observance  of  a  day  of  special  prayer,  in  which  we  will 
agree  together  in  fervent  supplication  with  thanksgiving  and  confession 
of  sins  to  the  Lord  our  God,  beseeching  him  to  ''be  merciful  to  us  and 
shine  on  us  with  his  face,"  that  in  the  way  of  enabling  us  to  take  hold 
of  his  covenant  of  grace  and  renewing  our  engagements  to  him  and  to 
each  other,  we  may  receive  a  fresh  baptism  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  for  the 
removal  of  hindrances  and  difficulties,  the  restoration  of  mutual  confi- 
dence and  the  revival  of  all  grace  in  us,  "  that  so  his  way  may  be  known 
in  the  earth  and  his  saving  liealth  among  all  nations." 

2.  That  the  first  Wednesday  of  September,  1885,  be  designated  for 
this  purpose.     Vol.  V,  p.  238,  1885. 

LXXXYI.     PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCHES. 
1.  Union  of  Presbyterian  Churches. — [On  the  memorial  of  the 

Reformed  Presbyterian  Synod,  delegates  were  appointed  to  a  conven- 
tion for  prayer  and  conference  on  the  subject  of  union  among  the  vari- 
ous branches  of  the  Presbyterian  family.  Vol.  II,  p.  404,  1867-  The 
proceedings  of  this  convention  were  laid  before  the  Assembly,  when 
five  delegates  were  appointed  to  meet  with  a  like  number  appointed  by 
the  other  churches,  with  instructions  to  endeavor  to  obtain  such  terms 
of  union  as  would  not  involve  any  relinquishment  of  the  principles  of 
our  profession.  Vol.  II,  p.  493,  1868.  The  joint  committee,  com- 
posed of  delegates  from  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  the  Presby- 
terian Church,  N,  S.,  and  the  Presbyterian  Church,  O.  S.,  adopted  the 
following  basis,  which  was  submitted  to  the  Assemblies:] 

1.  The  Old  and  New  Testament  Scriptures  are  acknowledged  to 
be  the  inspired  word  of  God  and  the  only  infallible  rule  of  faith  and 
practice. 

2.  The  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  as  the  same  has  been  mod- 
ified by  the  churches  here  represented,  in  its  doctrines  concerning  the 
powers  of  the  civil  magistrate,  together  with  the  Larger  and  Sliorter 
Catechisms,  shall  be  received  and  adopted  as  containing  the  system  of 
doctrine  taught  in  the  Holy  Scriptures. 

3.  The  United  Church  shall  receive  and  adopt  the  Presbyterian  form 
of  church  government. 

4.  Firsts  It  is  the  will  of  God  that  the  Book  of  Psalms  should  be 
used  by  the  church  in  his  worship  to  the  end  of  the  world.  And  the 
united  body  shall,  at  the  earliest  practicable  day,  prepare  as  faithful 
and  acceptable  a  version  of  those  Psalms  as  may  be,  for  use  in  the 
churches. 


rUKSBYTEUIAN    CHUKCHES.  223 

Secondli/,  Any  of  the  chiirclies  desiringto  use  the  Psalms  exclusivelv 
in  the  service  of  song  shall  always  have  the  right,  unchalleno-ed,  to  do 
so.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  29,  1869. 

[The  following  action  was  taken  by  the  Assembly:]  ^Vhereas,  in 
tlie  negotiations  between  the  United  and  the  Old  and  "New  School  Pres- 
byterian Churches,  a  Christian  spirit  has  been  manifested,  and  also  an 
evidently  increasing  regard  for  the  distinctive  principles  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  ;   and. 

Whereas,  This  General  Assembly  is  not  prepared  to  adopt  the 
basis  of  union  presented  by  the  joint  committee,  yet  in  the  confidence 
that  a  mutual  interchange  of  views  in  a  truly  Christian  spirit  would  be 
productive  of  mucli  good;  therefore, 

ResoIvecL  Tiiat,  witiiout  expressing  approval  of  all  the  results,  and 
while  regarding  as  seriously  defective  at  least  one  of  the  conclusions, 
namely,  that  pertaining  to  Psalmody,  reached  by  the  joint  committee, 
a  report  of  whose  proceedings  has  been  submitted  to  us,  this  Assembly 
agree  to  continue  their  committee  to  confer,  according  to  instructions 
given  by  tlie  last  Assembly,  witli  similar  committees  which  may  be 
appointed  by  other  branches  of  the  Presbyterian  family.  Vol.  Ill,  n 
29,  1869.  ^ 

[The  joint  committee  failed  to  meet.]  On  the  fourth  of  August,  the 
time  appointed  by  the  preceding  convention,  a  meeting  was'^held  in 
Pittsburgh.  On  this  occasion  a  majority  of  the  committee  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  were  present,  but  only  one  member  of  the  Old 
School,  and  not  one  of  the  New  School  Presbyterian  Church,  were  in 
attendance.  In  consequence  of  the  failure  of  our  brethren  to  attend  at 
the  time  appointed  nothing,  could  be  done.  Tiie  convention  conse- 
quently adjourned  sine  die.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  132,  1870. 

[Another  committee  was  appointed.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  145,  1870,  who  re- 
ported as  follows:]  The  joint  committee  met  in  Pittsburgh,  March  7th, 
1871,  and  continued  its  session  until  the  ninth.  A  most  delightful  spirit 
pervaded  the  devotional  exercises  of  the  committee,  and  the  very  full 
and  free  discussions  had  with  reference  to  the  points  of  difference  be-- 
tween  the  two  bodies  were  characterized  by  the  utmost  friendliness  and 
cordiality. 

In  one  of  the  early  conferences  the  United  Presbyterian  branch  of  the 
committee  submitted  the  following  as  a  basis  of  union : 

The  Westminster  standards  as  the  general  basis,  with  these  additional 
propositions: 

1.  The  Psalms  of  the  Bible,  in  the  best  possible  version,  are  to  be 
the  authorized  Psalmody  of  the  church. 

2.  In  all  ordinary  cases  the  sacraments  are  to  be  restricted  in  their 
administration  to  those  over  whom  the  church  has  autliority. 

3.  All  associations,  whether  formed  for  political  or  benevolent  pur- 
poses, which  impose  upon  their  members  an  oath  of  secrecy,  or  an  ob- 
ligation to  obey  a  code  of  unknown  laws,  are  inconsistent  with  the  spirit 
and  genius  of  Christianity,  and  church  members  ought  not  to  have  fel- 
lowship with  such  associations. 

After  some  consideration  given  to  the  subject  matter  of  this  basis,  it 
was  referred  to  the  Presbyterian  brancli  of  the  committee,  who  subse- 
quently reported,  recommending  the  following  as  general  terms  of  union  : 


224  DIGEST  OF  THE  ACTS  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY. 

The  Westminster  standards  as  the  general  basis,  with  these  additional 
propositions : 

1.  That  we  regard  the  "Psalms  and  Hymns  and  Spiritual  Songs"  of 
the  Bible  as  peculiarly  entitled  to  our  consideration  and  use  in  public 
and  private  worship,  because  of  their  divine  inspiration,  and  we  re-affirm 
our  testimony  in  their  favor  as  authorized  by  the  word  of  God. 

2.  That  in  all  ordinary  cases  the  sacraments  are  to  be  restricted  in 
their  administration  to  those  over  whom  the  church  has  authority. 

3.  That  the  genius  and  spirit  of  Christianity  furnish  the  best  incen- 
tive, the  highest  motive,  and  the  truest  basis  for  all  work  of  benevolence 
and  reform,  and  that  the  church,  in  her  organized  capacity,  is  the  most 
efficient  agent  for  the  prosecution  of  this  work,  and  should  be  preferred 
by  all  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

It  was  finally  and  unanimously  decided  in  joint  committee,  in  view  of 
the  impossibility  of  fully  reconciling  divergent  views,  that  the  two  bases 
be  submitted  to  the  respective  Assemblies. 

In  thus  submitting  our  report,  your  committee  would  say,  that  while 
unable  to  come  to  a  perfect  agreement  on  the  propositions  before  us,  we 
were  greatly  gratified  and  encouraged  by  the  nearness  to  an  agreement 
at  which  we  arrived,  and  we  do  most  earnestly  commend  the  union  of 
our  churches  to  the  continued  consideration  of  our  Assemblies.  With  this 
view,  we  recommend  the  appointment  of  committees  for  further  confer- 
ence and  negotiations  on  the  subject,  with  such  instructions  accompany- 
ing the  appointment  as  by  the  Assemblies  may  be  deemed  desirable. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  313,  1871. 

[No  action  was  taken  by  the  Assembly,  except  to  appoint  a  commit- 
tee to  continue  negotiations.  Vol.  Ill,,  p.  284,  1871.  This  committee 
reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  380, 1872,  when  the  follow- 
ing action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  General  Assembly  there  do 
not  appear  to  be  encouraging  grounds  for  a  further  prosecution  of  this 
work  at  present. 

2.  That  this  General  Assembly  hereby  declares  again  its  desire  for 
union  with  sister  churches  on  any  proper  grounds  that  will  be  mutually 
satisfactory,  and  is  ready  to  co-operate,  especially  with  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  in  any  proper  effiort  to  secure  such  a  union,  to  the  glory  of  our 
common  Saviour,  and  the  greater  prosperity  and  good  of  his  cause  in 
the  world. 

3.  That  with  this  expression  on  the  general  subject  of  union,  and  of 
the  facts  in  the  case  as  they  are  understood  by  this  Assembly,  the  com- 
mittee on  union  shall  be  continued,  to  meet  with  any  similar  committee 
that  may  be  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  to  engage  in  any  further  conferences  that  may  be  called  for  on 
this  subject.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  394,  1872. 

2.  A  Conference  of  Presbyterian  Churches. — [A  minute  of  the 

General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of 
America  on  tlie  subject  of  a  conference  with  other  Presbyterian  Churches 
was  presented  to  tlie  Assembly.  Tlie  following  was  adopted  in  refer- 
ence to  it :] 

We  reciprocate  the  desire  expressed  for  the  advancement  of  the  king- 
dom of  Jesus   Christ  in   the  world,  and  of  the  faith  and  order  held  in 


PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCHES    IN    INDIA.  225 

common  by  Presbyterians  in  this  land,  arid  are  willing  and  ready  to  co- 
operate with  our  brethren  in  any  proper  way  that  will  promote  purity 
in  worship  and  an  earnest  zeal  for  the  word  of  God  as  the  rule  of  faith 
and  practice  in  building  and  extending  the  kingdom  of  Jesus  Christ  in 
this  and  every  land. 

But  as  the  action  of  that   General   Assembly  is  more  expressly  ad- 
dressed to  those  "united  in  the  Alliance  of  the  Refomed  Churches  hold- 
ing the  Presbyterian   System,"  and  as  our  church  has,  for  reasons  ex 
pressly  stated,  withdrawn  from  that  Alliance  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  are  not  now  j^repared  to  propose  any  plan  of  co- 
operation for  the  purpose  suggested  by  our  brethren. 

2.  That  we  are  ready  now,  as  we  have  always  declared  ourselves  to 
be,  to  co-operate  with  our  brethren  of  other  Presbyterian  denominations 
in  promoting  unity  of  faith  and  practice  in  any  way  consistent  with  what 
we  believe  to  be  the  law  of  Christ's  house  and  will  of  our  Divine  Mas- 
ter.    Vol.  VI,  p.  683,  1887. 

[The  General  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  of  three  to  represent 
the  Assembly  in  the  Centenary  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  in  the  United  States  of  America.  The  committee  re- 
ported that  marked  Christian  courtesy  had  been  shown  in  the  case. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  684,  1887  ;  Vol.  VII,  p.  31,  1888.] 

3.  A  Consensus  Creed  for  AU  Presbyterian  Churches.    A 

paper  was  presented  from  a  committee  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  United  States  of  America,  asking  the  ap- 
pointment of  members  of  a  joint  committee  to  prepare  a  short  consensus 
creed  for  the  use  of  all  the  Presbyterian  Churches,  to  be  used  as  the 
common  creed  of  these  Churches  ;  not  as  a  substitute  for  the  creed  of 
any  particular  denomination,  but  to  supplement  it  for  the  common  work 
of  the  Church.  The  Committee  on  Correspondence  reported  :  "  It  is 
the  judgment  of  your  committee  that  it  would  not  be  wise  for  this 
Assembly  to  take  any  action  which  would  seek  to  shorten  the  West- 
minster Confession,  or  eliminate  from  it  any  of  its  articles,  or  which 
might  indicate  that  we  are  not  fully  satisfied  with  it."  The  Assembly,, 
therefore,  adopt  the  following  : 

Resolved,  Tiiat  this  Assembly  respectfully  declines  to  enter  upon  the 
work  of  preparing  a  consensus  creed.     Vol.  VII,  p.  647,  1891. 

LXXXVII.     PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCHES  IN  INDIA. 
1.  An  Alliance    of  Presbyterian  Churches  in  India.— [As 

early  as  January,  1871,  a  movement  in  favor  of  closer  union  among 
Presbyterians  in  India  was  begun.  A  meeting  of  delegates  was  held  in 
November  of  the  same  year,  to  consider  the  advisability  of  forming  a 
Presbyterian  Alliance.  It  was  agreed  that,  from  time  to  time,  general 
conventions  of  Presbyterian  ministers  and  elders  should  be  held  for  the 
purpose  of  consultation  and  co-operation  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  ex- 
tension of  Christ's  kingdom  in  India.  At  a  general  convention  held  at 
Allahabad  in  the  next  year,  it  was  Resolved,  That  "without  reference 
to  an  organic  union,  as  speedily  as  possible,  the  different  Presbyterian 
Churches  in  India  should  be  consolidated  together  for  consultation  and 
co-operation  in  furtherance  of  a  common  Evangelistic  work,  but  in  no 
degree  compromising  the  position  which  they  occupy  in  connection 
15 


226  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

■with  their  respective  Churches  at  home."  At  subsequent  meetings  the 
purpose  was  defined  to  be  :  1.  To  promote  mutual  sympathy  and  the 
sense  of  unity  among  Presbyterian  Cliurches  in  India.  2.  To  arrange 
for  co-operation  and  mutual  help.  3.  To  promote  the  stability  and  self- 
support  of  the  native  Churches,  and  to  encourage  them  in  direct  labor 
for  the  Evangelization  of  India.  4.  To  prepare  the  way  for  an  organic 
union  among  the  native  Presbyterian  Churches  in  India. 

The  First  Council  of  tlie  Alliance  was  held  in  December,  1877,  the 
second  in  1880,  the  third  in  1883,  the  fourth  in  1886,  and  the  fifth  in 
1889.     See  Vol.  VII,  p.  502,  1890.] 

2.  Appellate  Power  Refused  to  the  Alliance.— [The  Second 

Council  of  the  Presbyterian  Alliance  in  India  sent  to  all  the  supreme 
judicatories  represented  in  India,  asking  the  recognition  of  the  appellate 
jurisdiction  of  the  Alliance  in  certain  cases  in  regard  to  native 
Churches,  office-bearers,  and  members.  The  General  Assembly  took 
the  following  action  :] 

Resolved,  2.  That  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  that  it  would 
not  be  expedient  for  it  to  recognize  the  appellate  jurisdiction  of  the  Alli- 
ance over  any  of  its  churches,  office-bearers,  or  members  ;  and  that  it, 
therefore,  respectfully  refuses  the  request  of  the  Alliance,  asking  for 
such  jurisdiction.     Vol.  V,  p.  354,  1881. 

3.  Union  of  the  Presbyterian  Churches  in  India  Proposed.— 

[In  1889,  by  circular  letter  sent  out  by  the  Lahore  Presbytery,  a  Gen- 
eral Committee  was  formed  to  consider  "  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of 
union,  with  the  best  method  of  overcoming  them,  and  prepare  a  carefully 
matured  plan  of  union,  to  be  submitted  to  tlie  Presbyteries."  This 
General  Committee,  in  which  the  majority  of  the  Presbyterian  bodies  in 
India  were  represented,  prepared  a  basis  of  union,  and  submitted  it  to 
the  Presbyterian  Alliance  of  India,  by  which  it  was  approved  and  sent 
to  the  Presbyteries,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  home  Churches  for  final 
consideration  It  was  transmitted  to  the  General  Assembly  by  the 
Presbytery  of  Sialkot  with  an  adverse  judgment.  This  basis  provides 
as  to  polity  and  worship: 

1.  That  a  constitution  shall  be  drafted,  based  upon  the  constitutions  of 
the  Presbyterian  Churches  in  Europe  and  America. 

2.  That  in  all  meetings  of  Church  courts  in  which  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church  of  North  America  is  represented,  psalms  alone  shall  be 
sung,  out  of  respect  to  their  opinion,  and  also  because  the  psalms  alone  are 
a  sufficient  medium  by  which  to  express  divine  praise. 

3.  Official  members  of  these  missions,  refusing  to  sever  their  connec- 
tion with  the  home  courts,  are  to  be  only  advisory  members  of  the  courts 
in  India,  while  those  severing  this  connection  and  submitting  to  the 
courts  in  India  are  to  be  full  members.  All  shall  be  free  to  choose  one 
of  these  relations. 

4.  The  Synod  is  to  be  the  court  of  last  resort,  except  that  it  shall 
have  power  to  refer  cases  to  the  General  Assembly  for  advisement  or 
decision. 

The  doctrinal  basis  is  to  consist  1st,  of  the  Apostles'  Creed;  2d,  the 
Nicene  Creed,  3d,  a  modern  statement  of  doctrine,  which  is  not  yet  pre- 
pared. The  Westminister  Confession  of  Faith  and  Catechisms  and  the 
Heidelberg  Catechism  are  to  be  held  in  veneration,  and  as  useful  for 


PRESBYTERIAN    COUNCIL.  227 

edification.  There  is  to  be  a  General  Assembly  with  five  subordinate 
Synods,  embracing  all  the  Presbyterian  Churches  in  India. 

In  the  judgment  of  the  Assembly  this  basis,  if  adopted,  would  be  an 
abandonment  of  the  Standards  of  the  Church  for  a  creed  not  yet  pre- 
pared, would  authorize  in  India  a  confession  of  faith  not  accepted  at 
home,  and  would  sever  the  mission  from  the  mother  Church.  It  was 
therefore :] 

Resolved,  That  the  Basis  of  Union  of  the  Presbyterian  Churches  in 
India,  submitted  to  this  Assembly  by  the  Sialkot  Presbytery,  be  not  ap- 
proved. Vol.  VII,  p.  426,  1890.  [For  the  Basis  in  full,  and  the  action 
of  the  Sialkot  Presbytery,  see  p.  502,  1890.] 

LXXXVIII.     PRESBYTERIAN  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY. 
Presb3rterian  Historical  Society. — Resolved,  That  the  Assembly 

cordially  commends  tlie  society  to  the  enlarged  liberality  of  all  our 
churches  and  congregations.     Vol.  II,  p.  12,  1864. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  each  of  the  publications  of  our  Board  of 
Publication  be  presented  to  this  society  to  be  preserved  in  its  collection. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  545,  1873. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  records  now  on  hand,  and  those  which  may  be 
hereafter  procured,  b'i  placed  in  the  fire  proof  building  of  the  Presby- 
terian Historical  Society,  when  it  shall  be  completed,  for  safe  keeping, 
and  that  a  copy  of  all  those  which  may  be  printed  be  placed  in  our  own 
publishing  house. 

3.  That  Presbyteries  be  requested  to  collect  the  histories  of  their 
own  congregations,  and  have  them  bound  in  one  or  more  volumes,  with 
the  history  of  tlie  Presbytery,  with  a  view  of  depositing  them  in  the 
fire  proof  building  already  mentioned.     Vol.  IV,  p.  301,  1876. 

Resolved,  2.  That  we  earnestly  recommend  every  congregation 
which  has  not  already  contributed  to  its  funds,  to  take  up,  on  the  first 
Sabbath  of  November,  1877,  or  as  soon  after  as  possible,  a  liberal  col- 
lection to  aid  in  securing  for  this  society  what  it  most  needs;  namely,  a 
place  of  safety  for  what  it  has  so  successfully  gathered.  Vol.  IV,  p. 
446,  1877. 

Resolved,  2.  That  it  be  commended  still  to  our  people  for  donations 
to  its  collections,  and  for  funds  for  its  endowment.  Vol.  IV,  p.  574, 
1878. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Assembly  hereby  expresses  its  continued  satis- 
faction with  this  society  in  its  efibrts  to  collect  and  place  in  secure 
position  material  of  so  mucli  interest  to  the  friends  of  Presbyterianism. 

2.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  co-operate  with  tlie  society  in 
its  efibrts  to  procure  such  material,  and  that  the  Synods  and  Presby- 
teries be  recommended  to  continue  their  committees  for  this  purpose, 
and  thus  further  the  interests  of  this  society  for  the  benefit  of  the  entire 
Presbyterian  family.     Vol.  V,  p.  533,  1882. 

LXXXIX.     PRESBYTERIAN   COUNCIL. 
1.  An  Alliance  of  the  Presbyterian  Churches. — [The  General 

Assembly  received  a  memorial  from  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church  in  the  United  States  in  America  on  the  confederation 


228  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

of  all  the  Presbyterian  Churches  throughout  the  vvorlJ.  The  following 
action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  there  be  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with 
the  other  committees  which  may  be  appointed  by  the  Presbyterian 
bodies,  with  a  view  to  securing  the  objects  proposed  ;  and, 

2.  That,  while  doing  all  they  can  to  secure  these  objects,  the  com- 
mittee be  directed  to  do  nothing  to  compromise  the  peculiar  principles 
and  practices,  for  the  maintainance  of  which  the  Assembly  believes  her- 
self called  upon,  in  providence  and  by  the  Head  of  the  Church,  to  sus- 
tain a  separate  ecclesiastical  organization.     Vol.  IV,  p.  37,  1874. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the  Assembly,  when  the  following  action 
was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  Assembly  expresses  its  gratitude  to  the  Saviour 
for  the  harmony  he  has  given  to  the  deliberations  of  these  committees, 
and  its  conviction  that  this  agreement  in  a  statement  of  revealed  truth 
so  full  as  that  contained  in  the  propositions  adopted,  is  a  precursor  of  a 
closer  union  among  the  Churches  holding  the  great  doctrines  of  the 
Bible.  Vol.  IV,  p.  186,  1875.  [For  the  propositions  agreed  upon  and 
the  draft  of  constitution  for  an  Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches 
holding  the  Presbyterian  System,  prepared  by  the  American  delegates, 
€ee  VoL  IV,  pp.  223-225,  1875.] 

[The  Assembly  also  adopted  the  following  :] 

Whereas,  Several  churches  adhering  to  Presbyterian  polity  and 
Calvinistic  doctrine  are,  on  conscientious  grounds,  opposed  to  the  use 
of  uninspired  hymns  in  the  worship  of  God  ;  and,  whereas,  the  inspired 
Book  of  Psalms  has  been  acknowledged  by  every  branch  of  the  Church 
of  Christ,  at  least  by  every  Presbyterian  one,  to  contain  matter  suitable 
for  praise  in  the  service  of  song  ;  and,  whereas,  the  exclusive  use  of  the 
hymns  embraced  in  this  sacred  collection  by  the  proposed  confederation 
in  its  meetings  would  not  only  evince  a  generous  regard  for  the  cher- 
ished convictions  of  many  Presbyterians,  but  also,  it  is  believed,  tend  to 
prove  and  promote  the  unity  of  the  Church  of  Christ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly  respectfully,  but  earnestly,  asks  that 
in  the  particular  referred  to,  the  "  Consensus  of  the  Reformed 
Churches"  be  respected  by  the  confederation  in  its  devotional  exercises, 
and  that  a  specific  guarantee  to  this  effect  be  incorporated  in  the  con- 
stitution which  may  be  adopted. 

2.  Further,  that  our  committee  be  directed  to  urge  this  matter  by 
letter,  or  otherwise,  in  the  convention  about  to  be  held  in  London.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  186,  1875. 

[The  delegates  reported  that  they  had  forwarded  the  above  action  to 
the  Alliance,  and  submitted  to  the  Assembly  the  correspondence  had, 
Vol.  IV,  p.  356,  1876,  when  their  action  was  approved.  Vol.  IV,  p. 
318,  1876.] 

[Delegates  were  appointed  to  the  First  General  Presbyterian  Coun- 
cil, Vol.  IV,  p.  455,  1877,  who  reported  to  the  Assembly,  Vol.  IV,  p. 
635,  1878,  when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  2.  That  while  gratified  to  know  that  during  the  late  meet- 
ing the  Council  used  in  its  exercise  of  praise  only  the  Psalms  of  Scrip- 
ture, the  Assembly  regrets  that  no  constitutional  provision  has  been 
made  for  the  continuance  of  this  practice,  and  no  definite  pledge  given 


PRESBYTERIAN    COUNCIL.  229 

to  that  effect,  and  hereby  instructs  its  delegates  to  the  meeting  of  1880 
to  use  their  influence  to  have  this  matter  adjusted  in  accordance  with 
the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1875.      Vol.  IV,  p.  576,  1878. 

[Delegates  were  appointed  to  the  General  Presbyterian  Council.  Vol. 

V,  p.  42,  1879;  p.  744,  1883.  Power  was  given  to  the  delegates 
present  at  the  Third  Council  to  fill  vacancies  in   the  delegation.     Vol. 

VI,  p.  41,  1884.] 

2.  Committee  of  Correspondence  With  the   Alliance.— [At 

the  request  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Presbyterian  Alliance,  the  General 
Assembly  appointed  a  standing  committee  of  correspondence,  consisting 
of  three  persons.     Vol.  V,  pp  337,  344,  1881.] 

3.  Expenses  of  the  Alliance — [The  Third  Council  requested 
the  Churches  represented  to  bear  the  expenses  of  the  Council  in  pro- 
portion to  their  membership.  These  expenses  heretofore  had  been  met 
by  individual  contributions.  The  Committee  on  Finance  reported  :] 
For  lack  of  sufficient  information,  and  the  Assembly  having  no  "  con- 
tingent fund,"  your  committee  cannot  recommend  the  appropriation  of 
any  sum.     Vol.  VI,  p.  237,  1885. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  Principal  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  be,  and  is 
hereby,  directed  to  issue  an  order  on  the  Assembly's  Treasurer  for  the 
payment  of  $2G9.00,  our  proportion  of  the  expenses  already  incurred  bj 
the  Alliance.     Vol.  VI,  p.  423,  1886. 

4.  Withdrawal  of  the  General  Assembly  from  the  Alliance. 

— [The  delegates  to  the  Third  General  Council  reported  their  attend- 
ance, and  that  another  Council  had  been  appointed.]  "It  is  for  the 
Assembly  to  determine  whether  it  will  continue  its  connection  with  the 
Alliance.  .  .  .  We  suggest  that  this  whole  matter  be  referred  to  a 
committee  to  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Vol,  VI,  p.  298, 
1885.  [The  committee  was  appointed  and  submitted  a  report,  which 
was  amended  and  adopted :] 

Whereas,  The  constitution  of  the  Presbyterian  Alliance  provides 
that  there  shall  be  no  interference  with  the  internal  order  or  discipline 
of  any  Church  which  has  joined  the  confederation;  and, 

Whereas,  In  1875,  our  General  Assembly  adopted  a  paper  on  this 
subject,  asking  that  in  consideration  of  the  fact  that  several  of  the 
churches  are,  on  conscientious  grounds,  opposed  to  the  use  of  uninspired 
hymns  in  the  worship  of  God,  and  that  every  Presbyterian  branch  of 
the  Church  of  Christ  has  acknowledged  that  the  inspired  Book  of 
Psalms  contains  matter  suitable  to  be  employed  in  the  praise  service, 
the  consensus  of  the  Reformed  churches  be  respected  by  the  Confedera- 
tion in  its  devotional  exercises,  and  that  a  specific  guarantee  to  this 
effect  be  incorporated  in  the  constitution  which  may  be  adopted  ;  and 

Whereas,  The  guarantee  thus  sought  has  not  been  given,  while  at  the 
last  Council  our  position  was  even  practically  disregarded  by  the  use, 
to  some  extent,  of  uninspired  compositions  in  the  devotional  exercises  of 
the  meetings;  and. 

Whereas,  In  the  reception  of  churches  to  its  confederation,  the  Al- 
liance has  shown  a  disposition  to  interpret  in  a  very  lax  and,  in  our 
view,  an  improper  manner  the  phrase,  "the  consensus  of  the  Reformed 
churches;"  and. 

Whereas,  The  good  likely  to  be  accomplished  by  the  Alliance  seems 


230  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

hardly  commensurate  with  the  expenditure  of  time  and  money  required; 
therefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly,  representing  "The  United  Presby- 
terian Church  of  North  America,"  hereby  discontinues  its  connection 
with  the  Presbyterian  Alliance.     Vol.  VI,  p.  423,  1886. 

[A  letter  was  received  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Alliance,  expressing 
regret  at  the  action  of  the  Assembly.     The  following  was  adopted:] 

Whereas,  No  guarantee  has  been  offered  that  the  faith  and  practice 
of  our  denomination,  in  the  matter  of  Psalmody,  will  be  respected  in 
the  future;  and, 

Whereas,  Definite  action  was  taken  by  the  Assembly  last  year  in 
withdrawing  from  that  organization  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  take  no  further  action  in  the  case  at 
present.     Vol.  VI.  p.  683,  1887". 

5.  Renewal  of  Relations  to  the  Presbyterian  Alliance.— [Rev. 

T.  W.  Chambers,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  George  D.  Matthews,  D.  D.,  Sec- 
retary, addressed  the  General  Assembly  on  behalf  of  the  Alliance  of 
Presbyterian  Churches.  The  matter  of  the  relation  of  the  General 
Assembly  to  the  Alliance  was  referred  to  a  committee  of  five  to  report 
to  the  next  Assembly.  Vol.  VII,  p.  421,  1890.  This  committee  re- 
ported according  to  appointment,  and  the  report  was  amended  and 
adopted  :] 

...  In  the  judgment  of  your  committee,  it  would  be  well  for  the 
General  Assembly  to  appoint  delesrates  to  the  Council  to  meet  in 
Toronto,  in  1892,  and  ask  that  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  be  re- 
ceived into  the  Alliance  and  her  delegates  admitted  to  seats  in  the 
Council. 

We  believe  that  our  connection  with  the  Alliance  may  prove  of  great 
value  to  us  in  preventing  encroachments  in  the  foreign  field.  We  have 
been  at  different  times  threatened  with  an  invasion  of  our  territory  by 
other  churches.  One  of  the  great  objects  of  the  Alliance  is  to  prevent 
collision  among  the  Churches  in  the  foreign  field  and  see  that  the 
rights  and  interests  of  the  several  Reformed  Churches  are  duly  re- 
spected by  others. 

We  further  believe  that  our  connection  with  the  Alliance  will  be 
favorable  to  the  general  maintenance  of  the  venerable  consensus  of  the 
Reforu  ed  Churches,  including  the  preservation  of  the  principle,  that  a 
Scripture  Psalmodv  alone  should  be  used  in  celebrating  the  praises  of 
God. 

For  these  reasons,  and  inasmuch  as  the  constitution  of  the  Presby- 
terian Alliance  provides  that  there  shall  be  no  interference  with  the 
internal  order  or  discipline  of  any  Church  belonging  to  the  Alliance,  we 
recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved,  1.  That,  as  the  Assembly  has  fceen  assured  by  the  secretary 
of  tiie  Alliance  that  any  departure  from  the  exclusive  use  of  the  Scrip- 
ture Psalms  in  the  devotional  meetings  thereof  was  not  by  its  authority, 
and  that  such  departure  will  be  carefully  guarded  against  in  future 
meetings,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of 
North  America  hereby  declares  its  desire  to  be  re-admitted  into  ''the 
Alliance  of  the  Reformed  Churches  throughout  the  world  holding  the 
Presbyterian  system." 


PRINCIPLES    OF    THE    UNITED    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH.  231 

2.  That  we  will  appoint  a  full  delegation  of  ministers  and  elders  as 
our  representatives  to  the  Council  to  meet  in  Toronto,  Canada,  Sep- 
tember, 1892. 

3.  That  the  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  be  directed  to  transmit  a  copy  of 
these  resolutions  to  the  secretary  of  the  Alliance.  Vol.  VII,  p.  736, 
1891. 

XC.     PRESBYTERY,  CONSTITUTION  OF. 

[The  Lake  Presbytery  presented  a  memorial  to  the  General  Assembly 
asking  the  submission  of  an  overture  to  the  Presbyteries  for  a  change 
in  the  law  on  the  constitution  of  a  Presbytery — Sec.  1,  Art.  2,  Chap. 
V,  Part  I.  of  Book  of  Government — so  as  to  admit  an  elder  from  each 
session  instead  of  from  each  "pastoral  charge."  The  following  was 
adopted :] 

The  change  thus  proposed  has  at  least  one  thing  to  recommend  it.  It 
would  secure  in  Presbyteries  the  representation  of  all  the  sessions  in 
their  respective  bounds.  But  while  this  is  in  itself  desirable,  it  would 
be  attended  with  this  serious  disadvantage,  that  the  numerical  equality 
between  the  ministers  and  the  ruling  elders  in  the  Presbytery  would  be 
destroyed.  Your  committee  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  proposed  change, 
all  things  considered,  is  not  desirable.  We,  therefore,  recommend  the 
adoption  of  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  Lake  Presbytery  be  not  granted. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  15,  1888. 

XCI.     PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  UNITED  PRESBYTERIAN 

CHURCH. 

1 .  Distinctive  Principles  of  the  Church  to  be  Maintained. — 

[Memorials  relating  to  the  distinctive  principles  of  the  United  Presby- 
terian Church  were  presented  from  the  Presbytery  of  Wheeling  and 
various  members  of  the  Assembly.  Whereupon  the  Assembly  adopted 
the  following:] 

Resolved,  1st.  That  the  General  Assembly  hereby  declares  anew  its 
devotion  to  all  the  distinctive  principles  of  the  Church,  and  its  deter- 
mination, so  far  as  in  it  lies,  to  have  all  under  its  supervision  properly 
instructed  in  these  principles,  and  to  have  them  carried  out  by  kind  and 
faithful  discipline. 

2d.  That  the  sessions  of  all  the  congregations  throughout  the  Church 
be  directed  to  see  that  the  distinctive  principles  of  the  Church  are  prop- 
erly taught  in  the  Sabbath  Schools  under  their  care,  and  that  pastors 
are  enjoined  to  give  careful  and  needed  instructions  upon  these  subjects 
in  their  public  and  private  ministrations. 

3d.  That  the  sessions  of  the  Churches  be  enjoined  to  be  faithful  in 
requiring  the  intelligent  assent  of  those  whom  they  admit  to  member- 
ship in  the  Church  to  all  her  distinctive  principles,  and  to  exercise  the 
discipline  which  the  Scriptures  and  the  standards  of  the  Church  require 
in  the  case  of  any  who  violate  these  principles. 

4th.  That  Presbyteries  are  hereby  enjoined  to  exercise  proper  Pres- 
byterial  care  with  respect  to  the  distinctive  principles  of  the  Church,  by 
seeing  that  sessions,  of  which  they  have  the  oversight,  are  faithful  in 


232  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

the  admission  of  members  and  the  exercise  of  discipline;  by  Presby- 
terial  conventions  relating  to  these  matters,  and  by  such  other  means  as 
may  be  best  adapted  to  secure  the  end  in  view ;  and  that  they  report 
their  obedience  to  this  injunction  annually  to  the  General  Assembly,  in 
connection  with  tlieir  report  upon  the  Narrative  and  State  of  Religion. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  233,  1885. 

Resolved,  That  the  attention  of  Presbyteries  and  the  Permanent 
Committee  on  Narrative  and  State  of  Religion  be  directed  to  the  fol- 
lowing action  of  the  Assembly  of  1885,  viz.:  That  the  Presbyteries,  &c. 
[Resolution  4.  above.]     Vol.  VI,  p.  682,  1887. 

Resolved,  3.  Tiiat  we  urge  pastors  and  sessions  to  do  all  in  their  power 
to  have  members  acl  consistently  and  in  harmonv  with  all  tlie  principles 
of  our  Church.     Vol.  VII,  p.  434,  1890. 

2.  Annual   Report  to  the  General  Assembly. — Resolved  4. 

That  Presbyteries  are  hereby  enjoined  to  exercise  proper  Presbyterial 
care  with  respect  to  the  distinctive  f)rinciples  of  tlie  Church,  by  seeing 
that  Sessions,  of  which  they  have  the  oversight,  are  faithful  in  the  ad- 
mission of  members  and  the  exercise  of  discipline;  by  Presbyterial  con- 
ventions relating  to  these  matters,  and  by  such  other  means  as  are  best 
adapted  to  secure  the  end  in  view:  and  that  they  report  their  obedience 
to  this  injunction  annually  to  the  General  Assembly  in  connection  with 
their  report  upon  the  Narrative  and  State  of  Religion.  Vol.  VI,  p. 
233,  1885. 

3.  Aid  not  to  be  Asked  for  Congregations  Ignoring-  the  Prin- 
ciples of  the  Church. — Resolved,  Tliat  wiiiie  this  Assembly  urges 
upon  our  members  and  congregations  the  great  importance  of  faithfully 
maintaining  the  principles  of  our  Clnirch,  the  agencies  to  which  tiie  dis- 
tribution of  funds  belong  must  act  on  the  presumption  that  Presbyteries 
will  recommend  for  aid  only  those  congregations  which  are  faithful  to 
their  profession,  and  active  in  their  efforts  to  advance  the  interests  of 
Christ's  Kingdom  ;  and  Presbyteries  are  hereby  urged  not  to  recommend 
any  congregation  for  aid,  either  to  the  Home  Mission  Board  or  Church 
Extension  Board,  which  is  known  to  ignore  the  principles  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church.     A^ol.  VII,  p.  222,  1889. 

4.  The  Boards  Do  Not  Have  Presbyterial  Supervision  of 

Congregations. — The  agencies  to  wiiich  tlie  distribution  of  funds  be- 
longs must  act  on  the  presumption  that  Presbyteries  will  recommend  for 
aid  only  those  congregations  which  are  faithful  to  their  profession.     Vol. 
VII,  p.  222,  1889. 
See  Sec.  3,  above. 

5.  Presbyters  May  Propose  a  Change  in  the  Principles  of 

the    Church The   memorial  asks   the  following  question:   "Can    a 

minister  or  elder  be  and  continue  to  be  in  good  standing  in  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  who  proposes  or  votes  to  overture  the  question  of 
expunging  any  article  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  or  of  the  Testimony, 
or  any  distinctive  principle  or  ordinance  of  worship,  held  and  observed 
by  the  said  United  Presbyterian  Church,  or  who  labors  and  votes  in 
the  Presbytery  for  such  overture  after  it  has  been  sent  down  by  the 
Assembly?" 

The  question  of  the  memorialist  is  somewhat  indefinite.  "We  do  not 
regard  it  as  wise,  ordinarily,  for  the  Assembly   to  decide   hypothetical 


rKOA'ISIONAL    SESSIONS.  233 

cases,  when  the  existing  laws  of  the  Church  are  sufficient  for  all  practical 
purposes,  if  properly  enforced. 

Sec.  5,  Art.  IV,  Chap.  V,  of  the  Book  of  Government,  reads  as  follows  : 
"  Before  any  regulation  affecting  the  doctrine,  worship  or  government 
of  the  Church  shall  be  adopted  or  made  binding,  it  shall  be  transmitted 
in  overture  to  all  the  Presbyteries,"  etc.  This  language  plainly  implies 
that  such  matters  are  subject  to  the  test  of  overture,  and  any  member 
of  the  Church  has  a  right  to  proceed  in  an  orderly  manner  in  the  exer- 
cise of  the  privileges  implied  in  this  law.  And  according  to  the  articles 
of  union,  the  forbearance  in  love,  required  by  the  law  of  God,  is  to  be 
exercised  toward  any  brethren  who  may  not  be  able  fully  to  subscribe  to 
all  the  standards  of  the  United  Church,  while  they  do  not  determinedly 
oppose  them,  but  follow  the  things  which  make  for  peace  and  things 
whereby  one  may  edify  another.     Vol.  VI,  p.  663,  1887. 

XCII.     PROVISIONAL  SESSIONS. 

Resolved,  [by  the  General  Committee  on  Home  Missions  and  adopted 
by  the  Assembly,]  5.  That  Presbyteries  are  cautioned  against  the 
hasty  organization  of  congregations  until  persons  qualified  for  the  elder- 
ship may  be  found  in  the  congregations;  and  that  until  such  persons  be 
found  the  stations  be  governed  by  a  provisional  session.  Vol.  VII,  p. 
259,  1889. 

Presbyteries  should  be  directed  to  exercise  greater  care  in  organizing 
congregations,  and,  where  necessary,  appoint  a  provisional  session  that 
shall  have  autiiority  in  these  new  congregations  until,  in  the  judgment 
of  the  Presbytery,  the  congregations  are  able  to  govern  themselves. 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  6.  That  this  Assembly  appoint  a  committee  of  five,  con- 
sisting of  three  ministers  and  two  elders,  which  shall  consider  the  whole 
subject  of  a  provisional  session,  define  its  powers  and  its  relations  to  the 
Presbytery,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly.     Vol.  VII,  p.  413, 1890. 

[The  committee  submitted  the  following  report,  which  was  adopted 
by  the  General  Assembly:] 

In  the  enlargement  of  the  Church  new  congregations  are  formed. 
These,  especially  in  the  mission  field,  are  composed  of  those  who  have 
recently  professed  their  faith  in  Christ,  or  have  removed  from  other 
congregations,  but  recently  drawn  together,  all  comparative  strangers  to 
each  other,  and  few  of  them  with  any  considerable  experience  in  Chris- 
tian work.  They  are  few  in  number,  and  may  not  have  among  them 
men  qualified  as  yet  to  take  charge  of  them  as  elders.  But,  even  more 
than  at  a  later  time,  they  need  the  counsel,  the  instruction  and  the  help 
■which  can  be  given  by  experienced  "overseers  of  the  flock."  The 
missionary  also  needs  the  support  of  a  body  of  elders,  ready  to  receive 
the  confession  of  those  who  believe,  to  administer  the  sacraments,  and 
to  exercise  the  care  which  belongs  to  their  office,  until  some  in  the  mis- 
sion have  attained  that  degree  of  experience,  and  have  shown  the 
Christian  character,  prudence  and  good  judgment  which  qualify  for 
permanent  official  position. 

Experience  has  shown  that,  in  many  cases,  premature  organization 
has  seriously  impaired  the  life  of  the  congregation.     For    the    same 


284  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

reason  that  the  spiritual  welfiire  of  a  mission,  or  congregation,  is  better 
met  by  a  stated  supply  than  by  supplies  from  Sabbath  to  Sabbath,  a 
stated  session,  the  same  body  of  men  having  the  oversight  as  long  as 
there  is  need  for  it,  is  better  than  special  appointments  from  time  to 
time. 

Also,  by  the  death  or  removal  of  its  elders,  a  congregation  may  be 
left  without  a  session,  and  the  circumstances  may  be  such  that  this  con- 
dition will  continue  for  a  considerable  period.  Such  a  time  is  full  of 
peril  to  the  life  of  the  congregation.  The  danger  may  be  averted  by 
the  appointment  of  a  session  to  have  the  oversight  until  the  congrega- 
tion is  prepared  to  elect  its  own  elders. 

The  power  to  make  such  provision  for  the  care  of  a  mission  or  dis- 
organized congregation,  is  iuherent  in  the  Presbytery.  "It  belongs  to 
the  Presbytery  to  order  whatever  pertains  to  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the 
churches  under  its  care."  The  wisdom  of  such  an  appointment  has 
been  shown  by  experience. 

Such  a  temporary,  or  provisional  session  is  appointed  to  perform  the 
duties  of  an  ordinary  session;  that  is,  to  receive  members  and  have  the 
spiritual  oversight  and  care  of  the  congregation  and  exercise  discipline. 
But  the  Presbytery  may  restrict  or  enlarge  its  powers,  according  as 
circumstances  may  require. 

It  may  exercise  the  powers  peculiar  to  a  commission  of  Presbytery 
only  when  distinctly  so  instructed  by  the  Presbytery. 

The  provisional  session  derives  its  powers  from  the  Presbytery,  and 
exercises  its  authority  by  virtue  of  its  appointment  by  the  Presbytery 
and  at  its  discretion.  Being  constituted  for  tiie  work  of  a  session,  its 
proceedings  are  subject  to  review  by  the  Presbytery,  and  those  under 
its  care  have  the  same  rights  as  under  a  regular  session.  But  its  mem- 
bers are  not  elected  by  the  congregation  or  mission,  and  in  the  proper 
sense  of  the  word  are  not  officers  in  the  congregation.  Ordinarily  they 
are  not  members  of  the  congregation.  They,  therefore,  cannot  take 
part  or  vote  in  its  meetings,  and  cannot  represent  it  in  the  higher 
courts.  But  in  the  case  of  a  congregation  partially  disorganized,  its 
rights  as  to  the  higher  courts  are  not  lost  by  its  temporary  misfortune, 
and  it  may  be  represented  by  an  elder  of  its  own  election  who  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  provisional  session. 

The  committee  therefore  submits  the  following  to  the  General  As- 
sembly for  adoption : 

1.  A  Provisional  Session  is  one  appointed  by  the  Presbytery  for  an 
unorganized  mission,  or  for  a  congregation  which  has  become  partially 
or  wholly  disorganized. 

2.  The  object  of  the  Provisional  Session  is  the  oversight  and  care  of 
the  mission  or  congregation  until  such  time  as  it  may  be  prepared  to 
elect  its  own  elders  and  become  invested  with  the  powers  and  rights  of 
an  organized  church. 

3.  The  powers  of  a  Provisional  Session  are  such  as  may  be  defined  in 
its  appointment.  If  there  is  no  such  definition,  it  has  the  ordinary 
powers  of  a  session  as  to  the  admission  of  members,  the  administration 
of  ordinances,  the  spiritual  oversight  of  the  congregation,  and  the  exer- 
cise of  discipline.  But  it  has  not  the  power  to  organize  a  congregation 
by  the  election,  ordination  and  installation  of  elders  without  the  express 
commission  of  the  Presbytery. 


PSALMODY.  235 

4.  The  Provisional  Session  is  directly  subject  to  the  Presbytery  and 
continues  to  exercise  its  powers  at  its  discretion,  and  should  report  its 
proceedings,  and  submit  its  records  for  review,  at  every  regular  meeting 
of  the  Presbytery.  The  rights  of  members  under  its  care  are  the  same 
as  under  a  regular  session. 

5.  The  Provisional  Session  is  not  a  part  of  the  congregation,  or  mis- 
sion, its  members  have  not  a  right  to  vote  at  its  meetings,  or  represent 
it  in  the  Presbytery.  But  in  the  case  of  a  partially  disorganized  con- 
gregation an  elder  duly  installed  in  it,  who  is  a  member  of  the  Pro- 
visional Session,  may  be  admitted  to  a  seat  in  Presbytery  as  a  member 
from  a  pastoral  charge.  Otherwise  the  mission  or  congregation  may 
appear  in  the  Presbytery  by  a  commissioner. 

6.  When  a  Provisional  Session  has  been  discharged  from  its  appoint- 
ment, it  should  place  its  records  in  the  hands  of  the  Presbytery,  to  be 
transmitted  to  the  congregational  session,  and  become  part  of  its  per- 
manent records.     Vol.  VII,  p.  733,  1891. 

XCIII.     PSALMODY. 

1.  Ministers  are  not  to  Sanction  Human  Compositions  in  the 

IVIatter  of  Praise. — Is  it  consistent  with  our  standards  for  our  minis- 
ters to  enter  into  any  arrangements  to  unite  in  the  public  or  social  wor- 
ship of  God,  where  human  compositions  are  employed  as  the  matter  of 
praise?  It  is  not  consistent  with  our  profession  to  enter  into  any 
arrangements  by  which  we  may,  in  any  sense,  sanction  or  approve  of 
the  use  of  human  compositions  in  tlie  worship  of  God.  Vol.  I,  p.  114, 
1860. 

2.  Paraphrases  are  not  to  be  used  as  Songs  of  Praise  in  the 

Worship  of  God. — Resolved,  1.  That  the  use  of  paraphrases  as  songs 
of  praise  in  the  worship  of  God  is  not  consistent  with  the  principles  and 
usages  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  419,  1872. 

3.  Interpretation  of  the  Law  on  Psalmody. — In  the  memorial 

the  following  question  is  asked :  "  Does  the  declaration  of  our  Testi- 
mony on  Psalmody,  Article  XVIII,  permit  members  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  to  join  in  the  singing  of  the  compositions  of  unin- 
spired men,  in  connection  with  religious  services,  held  anywhere  or 
under  any  circumstances?" 

That  Article  XVIII  clearly  requires  us  to  use  only  the  songs  con- 
tained in  the  Book  of  Psalms,  in  the  worship  of  God,  needs  no  argu- 
ment ;  and  that  uninspired  songs  may  be  sung  otherwise  than  as  acts  of 
worship  is  equally  clear. 

No  definite  rule  can  be  laid  down  by  which  all  can  be  enabled  to  de- 
termine between  acts  of  worship  and  exercises  of  a  kindred  but  less 
solemn  character.  Something  must,  therefore,  be  left  to  the  good  sense 
and  Christian  prudence  of  each  individual. 

The  intention  of  others,  with  whom  we  may  be  expected  to  join  in 
singing,  will  generally  be  a  valuable  help  in  determining  this  question. 
If  they  are  engaged  in  worship  according  to  their  own  declaration,  then 
we,  in  joining  with  them,  will  be  regarded  as  uniting  in  their  worship. 
"But  if  any  man  say  unto  you,  this  is  offered  in  sacrifice  unto  idols,  eat 
not,"  is  a  direction  that  may  safely  be  followed  in  many  things  that  are 


236  DIGEST   OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

not  properly  classed  with  idolatry.  We,  therefore,  recommend  the 
adoption  of  the  following: 

Resolved,  That  the  question  of  the  memorial  be  answered  in  the 
negative.     Vol.  VI,  p.  680,  1887. 

4.  An  Amended  Version  of  the  Psalms. — Resolved,  That  the 

Board  of  Publication  be  authorized  to  prepare  a  revised  edition  of  the 
metrical  version  of  the  Psalms  now  in  use.     Vol.  I,  p.  41,  1859. 

[The  Board  of  Publication  presented  versions  of  the  Psalms  to  the 
next  Assembly,  when  the  following  action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  *  *  *  be  a  committee,  with  the  Board  of  Pub- 
lication, on  the  subject  of  revising  the  present  version  of  the  Psalms. 

2.  That  the  whole  subject  of  a  revised  edition  of  the  Psalms  be  re- 
ferred to  the  Board  of  Publication  thus  strengthened,  that  they  publish 
the  version  as  amended,  and  that  they  report  to  the  next  General  As- 
sembly.    Vol.  I,  p.  114,  1860. 

[The  report  of  this  committee  was  brought  before  the  next  Assembly, 
when  the  following  action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  highly  approve  the  labors  of  this,  committee, 
and  hereby  send  their  amended  version  in  overture  to  the  Presbyteries 
under  our  care. 

2.  That  in  reporting  on  this  overture,  the  Presbyteries  are  instructed 
to  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly  :  1.  On  the  overture,  aye  or 
no.  2.  That  should  any  Presbytery  have  objections  to  the  amended 
version,  they  shall  specify  particularly  to  the  General  Assembly  the 
grounds  of  their  objection,  and  should  they  desire  any  amendments  or 
alterations,  they  shall  make  them  in  their  own  language. 

3.  That  Presbyteries  having  objections  or  desiring  alterations  or 
amendments,  shall  communicate  them  to  the  committee  on  an  improved 
version  of  the  Psalms  before  the  first  of  February,  1862  ;  and  that  the 
committee  be  directed  to  take  such  suggestions  into  careful  considera- 
tion, and  embody  such  as  meet  their  approbation  info  their  report  in 
full  to  the  next  General  Assembly,  for  adoption,  should  the  Assembly 
approve  them.     Vol.  I,  p.  221,  1861. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  when  the  following 
action  was  taken:]  It  appears:  1.  That  the  amended  version  of  the 
Psalms  overtured  to  the  church  is  not  adopted.  2.  That  a  decided 
majority  of  Presbyteries  are  in  favor  of  proceeding  with  the  present 
effort  under  proper  restrictions.      In  view  of  these  conclusions: 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  General  Assembly  refer  the  amended  version 
of  the  Psalms  to  a  select  committee,  consisting  of  three  members. 

2.  That  the  committee  be  limited  in  the  amendments  wliich  they  shall 
propose  to  the  removal  of  obsolete  words,  the  correction  of  errors  in 
grammar,  errors  of  punctuation,  and  defective  lines. 

3.  That  this  committee  be  instructed  to  report  to  the  next  General 
Assembly.     Vol.  I,  p.  349,  1862. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  when  the  following 
action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Assembly  express  their  thanks  to  the  com- 
mittee for  their  services,  and  the  progress  made  by  them  in  improving 
our  version  of  the  Psalms. 

2.  That  the  proposed  amendments  be  re-committed  to  the  same  com- 
mittee, with  instructions  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 


PSALMODY.  237 

3.  That  tlie  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  forward  to  the  committee 
fiuch  suggestions  as  may  aid  them  in  their  work.     Vol.  I,  p.  498,  1863. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  when  the  following 
action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  amendments  proposed  by  the  committee  on 
amending  the  present  version  of  the  Psalms,  together  with  those  adopted 
at  this  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  be  and  they  hereby  are  overtured  to 
the  Presbyteries  for  their  consideration,  with  instructions  to  report 
thereon  to  the  committee  before  January,  1865. 

2.  That  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  report  to  said  committee  such 
amendments  as  they  would  desire  to  have  made,  whether  these  have  been 
proposed  by  the  committee  or  not. 

3.  That  Presbyteries  be  further  instructed  to  report  yea  or  nay, 
•whether  they  would  be  willing  to  accept  of  the  version  as  amended  by 
the  committee  and  Assembly,  in  case  such  additional  amendments  as 
may  be  suggested  should  not  be  adopted. 

5.  That  the  committee  on  amending  our  present  version  of  the  Psalms 
have  our  hearty  thanks,  that  they  be  continued,  and  that  they  are 
hereby  instructed  to  prosecute  their  work  until  they  have  amended  the 
whole  of  the  version,  and  report  to  the  next  assembly.  Vol.  II,  p.  36, 
1864. 

[This  overtured  version  was  not  adopted.  Yeas,  56 ;  nays,  12G.  Vol. 
II,  p.  160,  1865.] 

[An  amended  version  of  the  Psalms  was  published  by  the  Board  of 
Publication,  concerning  which  the  followincr  action  was  taken:"! 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  corrected  edition  of  the  authorized  version  of 
the  Book  of  Psalms  published  by  the  Board  of  Publication,  and  laid  on 
the  table  of  this  Assembly,  be  approved  as  the  standard  edition  of  our 
authorized  Psalter. 

2.  That  while  approving  of  this  book,  the  Assembly  desires  to  express 
its  regret  that  the  Board  should  have  made  this  publication  without  the 
direction  of  the  Assembly. 

3.  That  the  Board  be  directed  not  to  proceed  with  the  publication  of 
the  proposed  series  of  Psalm  Books,  until  it  receives  further  direction 
from  the  Assembly.     Vol.  II,  p.  165,  1865. 

Resolved,  6.  That  the  Board  of  Publication  be  directed  to  complete 
the  work  of  amending  the  present  version,  according  to  the  plan  partially 
executed  and  approved  by  the  Assembly  at  Washington,  Iowa,  in  1865. 
Vol.  II,  p.  490,  1868. 

Resolved,  That  *  *  *  be  appointed  a  committee  to  complete  the 
•work  of  preparing  an  amended  version  of  ihe  Psalms,  as  committed  to 
the  Board  of  Publication  by  the  last  Assembly,  and  report  their  amend- 
ments to  the  next  Assembly.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  35,  1869. 

Your  committee,  however,  are  of  opinion  that  they  [the  amendments 
proposed  to  the  old  version]  are  more  numerous  than  is  desirable  or 
necessary ;  and  as  great  care  should  be  taken  not  to  impair  the  integrity 
of  our  present  excellent  version,  or  unnecessarily  to  change  language 
dear  and  familiar  to  so  many,  they  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  fol- 
lowing resolution: 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed,  *  *  *  to  which 
these  amendments  shall  be  referred,  with  instructions  to  use  them  accord- 


238  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

ing  to  their  best  judgment,  in  amending  the  text  of  the  present  version 
in  such  a  way  as  shall  not  impair  its  identity;  and  farther,  that  they  have 
authority  to  incorporate  and  publish  an  edition  of  the  same  as  the  author- 
ized version.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  144,  1870. 

Resolved,  3.  That  said  commtttee,  with  the  Board  of  Publication,  be 
directed  to  publish,  at  as  early  a  day  as  possible,  an  edition  of  the  pres- 
ent version,  when  amended  as  proposed  above,  with  the  new  versions 
inserted  in  their  proper  places.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  145,  1870. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  revised  edition  of  the  present  version  of  the 
Psalms  and  the  new  versions,  published  in  the  same  volume,  by  direc- 
tion of  the  Twelfth  General  Assembly,  be  authorized  to  be  used  accord- 
ing to  the  action  of  that  Assembly. 

2.  That  the  committee  are  entitled  to  the  thanks  of  the  Assembly, 
and  the  church,  for  the  faithfulness  and  ability  with  which  their  duty 
has  been  performed. 

4.  That  the  present  committee,  *  *  *  *  be  continued,  to 
supervise  and  correct  any  typographical  and  verbal  inaccuracies  that 
may  occur  in  the  publication  of  this  authorized  edition.  Vol.  III.  p. 
284,  1871. 

5.  A  New  Version  of  the  Psalms. — Resolved,  l.  That  the  version 
of  the  Book  of  Psalms  now  used  by  the  United  Presbyterian  Church 
be  retained  without  any  change  that  would  affect  its  integrity. 

2.  That  to  be  used  in  connection  with  this,  it  is  desirable  to  have  an 
entirely  new  version  of  equal  fidelity,  and  up  to  the  present  state  of 
literature  and  laws  of  versification. 

3.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  take  charge  of  this  work,  and 
either  by  selections  from  versions  extant,  or  the  labors  of  a  competent 
person,  endeavor  to  have  such  a  version  in  readiness  to  report  to  the 
next  Assembly  ;  that  in  this  work,  they  be  instructed  to  make  fidelity  to 
the  original  an  object  of  special  attention  ;  and  that,  as  they  progress, 
they  publish  the  results  of  their  labors  in  the  periodicals  of  the  church. 

4.  That  this  version,  when  reported  to  the  Assembly,  if  deemed 
worthy,  shall  be  overtured  to  the  Presbyteries.     Vol.  I,  p.  36,  1859. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  the  preparation  of  a  new  version  of 
the  Psalms  be  instructed  to  correspond  with  the  other  churches  who  use 
the  Book  of  Psalms,  and  endeavor  to  secure  their  co-operation.  Vol.  I, 
p.  36,  1859. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  when  the  following 
action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  *  *  *  be  a  committee,  and  they  be  author- 
ized to  complete  the  work  assigned  them,  and  report  to  the  next  As- 
sembly. 

2.  That  in  the  meantime  they  shall  publish  the  result  of  their  labors 
in  cheap  pamphlet  form,  for  the  examination  of  the  church.  Vol.  I,  p. 
120,  1860. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly  that  they  had  pre- 
pared new  versions  of  sixty-seven  Psalms,  when  the  following  action 
was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  new  and  improved  version  of  a  portion  of  the 
Book  of  Psalms,  prepared  by  the  committee  appointed  by  the  General 
Assembly  of  1860,  be  overtured  to  the  Presbyteries  under  our  care. 


PSALMODY.  239 

2.  That  Presbyteries  be  instructed  to  examine  it  carefully  and  report 
to  the  next  General  Assembly.     Vol.  I,  p.  223,  1861. 

[The  Assembly  of  1862  instructed  this  committee  to  report  progress 
to  the  next  Assembly,  Vol.  I,  p.  365,  1862.  To  the  next  Assembly  the 
committee  reported  that  they  had  prepared  fifteen  new  versions,  when 
they  were  continued,  enlarged,  and  instructed  to  publish  specimens  of 
the  versions  prepared  by  them.  Vol.  I,  p.  495,  1863.  The  committee 
reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  further  consideration  of  this  version  of  fifteen 
Psalms  be  postponed  till  the  question  of  the  copyright  of  Abner  Jones 
is  satisfactorily  settled.      Vol.  II,  p.  27,  1864. 

[Owing  to  the  difficulty  with  Prof.  Abner  Jones  concerning  his  copy- 
riglit,  a  new  committee  was  appointed,  and  the  work  of  preparing  anew 
version  of  the  Psalms  was  begun  anew  :j 

Resolved,  \.  That  *  *  *  be  appointed  a  committee  to  take  charge 
of  the  preparation  of  a  new  version  ;  that  they  be  empowered  to  offer 
premiums  for  the  best  versions  of  Psalms,  and  take  such  other  measures 
as  they  may  deem  proper  for  attaining  the  end  contemplated  ;  and  that 
they  report  to  each  successive  Assembly  such  versions  of  any  of  the 
Psalms  as  they  may  judge  suitable,  which,  when  approved  by  the  church, 
shall  be  inserted  in  the  Psalm  Book,  and  be  authorized  to  be  sung  in  the 
worship  of  God. 

2.  That  each  Synod  be  requested  to  appoint,  at  its  first  meeting,  one 
or  two  of  its  own  members  to  act  as  corresponding  and  consultative 
members  of  this  committee. 

3.  That  this  committee  be  enjoined  to  meet  at  their  earliest  conveni- 
ence, and  prosecute  their  labors  with  diligence  ;  their  respective  Pres- 
byteries, when  necessary,  supplying  their  pulpits  in  their  absence.  Vol. 
II.  p.  37,  1864. 

[This  committee  reported  that  they  had  prepared  versions  of  sixty- 
three  Psalms,  when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly  highly  approves  the  manner  in  which 
the  committee  intrusted  with  the  preparation  of  a  new  metrical  version 
of  the  Psalms  has  performed  its  work. 

2.  That  in  considering  the  versions  of  Psalms  reported  by  this  com- 
mittee, the  Assembly  will  proceed  as  follows  :  The  moderator  shall  an- 
nounce each  version,  beginning  with  the  first ;  any  member  may  move 
to  strike  out  the  version  announced  ;  if  the  motion  prevail,  the  particu- 
lar version  under  consideration  shall  be  rejected  ;  if  not,  or  if  no  motion 
to  reject  be  made,  the  version  shall  be  declared  approved. 

3.  That  the  versions  now  approved  by  the  Assembly,  viz.:  All  con- 
tained in  the  volume  published  by  the  committee  on  the  preparation  of  a 
new  version,  be  and  hereby  are  overtured  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their 
approval  or  rejection. 

4.  That  the  Presbyteries  be  and  hereby  are  instructed  as  follows: 
First,  To  act  on  this  overture  as  early  as  possible,  before  the  fifteenth 
day  of  September  next,  at  farthest,  and  to  call  special  meetings  for  the 
purpose.  Second,  To  vote  aye  or  no  on  each  version  of  a  Psalm  now 
overtured.  Third.  To  communicate  their  action,  without  delay,  to  the 
moderator,  specifying  particularly  their  objections  to  the  versions  they 
may  reject.     Fourth.  To  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 


240  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

5.  That  the  moderator  be  instructed  to  count  the  votes  received  hj 
him,  and  transmit,  on  or  before  October  1,  the  result,  together  with  the 
objections  of  the  Presbyteries  to  rejected  versions,  to  the  committee  on 
the  preparation  of  a  new  version. 

6.  That  the  Assembly,  earnestly  desiring  the  completion  of  the  work, 
and  being  persuaded  that  the  versions  now  in  overture  will  receive  the 
approval  of  the  church,  do  hereby  call  upon  the  committee  above  men- 
tioned to  proceed,  without  delay,  in  the  preparation  of  new  versions  of 
the  remaining  Psalms,  and  publish  the  result  of  their  labors  as  soon  as 
possible. 

7.  That  such  versions  as  may  be  thus  published  by  the  committee  be 
and  hereby  are  overtured  to  the  Presbyteries  for  their  adoption  or 
rejection. 

8.  That  Presbyteries  be  and  hereby  are  instructed  as  follows:  First. 
To  vote  aye  or  no  on  each  version  of  a  Psalm  thus  published.  Second. 
To  communicate  their  objections  to  such  versions  as  they  may  reject,  to 
the  committee.     Third.  To  report  to  the  next  Assembly. 

9.  That  the  Assembly  hereby  declares  its  earnest  desire  that  the 
committee  on  the  new  version,  the  Presbyteries,  and  the  next  Assem- 
bly, will  give  the  whole  subject  such  prompt,  earnest  and  careful  atten- 
tion, as  shall  be  necessary  to  bring  the  work  to  a  speedy  close,  and 
furnish  the  church  with  a  complete  version  suited  to  its  wants. 

11.  That  the  Presbyteries  be  instructed  to  supply  the  pulpits  of  such 
of  their  members  as  are  members  of  this  committee  while  engaged  in 
the  work  assigned  them  by  the  Assembly.     Vol.  II,  p.  149,  1865. 

[At  the  next  Assembly,  the  vote  of  the.  Presbyteries  on  the  over- 
tured Psalms  was  counted,  and  the  following  action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  twenty-five  versions,  specified  in  the  list  as 
having  a  majority  of  three-fourths  of  the  vot<iS  cast,  be  adopted,  as 
amended  by  the  committee. 

2.  That  the  versions  which  the  Assembly  shall  not  adopt  at  this 
meeting,  except  the  fourteen  specified  in  the  list  as  rejected,  be  con- 
tinued in  overture  until  the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Assembly,  to- 
gether with  the  amendments  adopted  by  the  committee;  and  also  the 
second  volume  be  continued  in  overture. 

3.  That  any  versions  which  may  be  approved  by  this  Assembly  shall 
be  considered  subject  to  amendment  until  the  whole  work  of  preparing 
a  new  version  is  finally  completed. 

4.  That  any  version  finally  receiving  the  sanction  of  the  church  shall 
be  incorporated  and  published  with  the  present  authorized  version. 

5.  That  it  be  distinctly  stated  by  this  Assembly  that,  in  adopting  a 
portion  of  the  versions  in  overture,  it  is  not  intended  to  set  aside  the  use 
of  the  present  authorized  version  or  any  part  of  it,  nor  is  it  intended  to 
require  the  introduction  of  the  new  versions  into  any  congregation,  nor 
even  to  encourage  the  introduction  of  them  when  this  would  be  offensive 
to  the  people,  or  any  considerable  portion  of  them.  It  is  also  earnestly 
recommended  to  pastors  and  Sessions  to  do  nothing  rashly  in  this 
matter  whereby  the  peace  of  congregations  might  be  marred. 

6.  That  the  present  committee  to  prepare  a  new  version  be  released 
in  compliance  with  their  request,  and  that  a  special  committee  be  ap- 
pointed to  nominate  the  members  of  a  new  committee.  Vol.  II,  p.  306, 
1866. 


PSALMODY.  241 

fThis  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  when  the  following 
action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  1.  That  all  the  versions  of  volume  first,  excepting  seven, 
which  have  majorities  below  fifty,  be  adopted. 

2.  That  these  seven  be  referred  to  the  committee  to  be  amended,  and 
that  they  then  be  sent  down  to  the  Presbyteries  in  overture. 

3.  That  the  amendments  proposed  by  the  committee  be  referred  to 
the  Assembly  for  their  decision. 

4.  That  all  the  versions  adopted  by  the  Assembly  be  still  subject  to 
amendments,  and  that  Presbyteries  be  asked  to  send  any  alterations  they 
feel  ought  to  be  made,  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  on  the  new  ver- 
sion of  the  Psalms.     Vol.  II,  p.  416,  1867. 

Resolved,  1.  That  *  *  *  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  canvass  and  publish  the  votes  of  the  Presbyteries  on  the  over- 
ture of  the  new  version  of  volume  second. 

2.  That  all  the  reports  of  Presbyteries  now  on  the  table  of  this  Assem- 
bly be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  aforesaid  committee. 

3.  That  this  committee  be  directed  to  procure,  as  soon  and  as  far  as 
practicable,  the  reports  of  the  Presbyteries  on  the  second  volume  of  new 
versions  now  among  the  papers  of  the  last  Assembly. 

4.  That  the  chairman  of  said  committee  having  ascertained  the 
Presbyteries  from  which  there  is  no  report,  he  hereby  is  directed  to 
notify  the  moderator  or  clerk  of  such  Presbyteries,  and  call  for  their 
reports. 

5.  That  all  Presbyteries  which  have  sent  up  their  reports  have  leave 
to  amend  them,  if  they  so  desire. 

6.  That  the  committee  close  the  reception  of  reports  on  the  second 
volume  of  new  versions,  on  the  first  day  of  November,  1867,  and  all 
Presbyteries  which  desire  their  voice  to  be  heard  in  the  decision  must 
have  their  reports  in  by  that  date. 

7.  That  on  the  first  of  November,  proximo,  the  committee  shall  pro- 
ceed to  canvass  and  make  up  the  vote  on  each  version,  and  shall  publish 
in  the  papers  of  the  church  the  numbers  of  all  the  versions  which  shall 
have  received  a  majority  of  two-thirds  and  over  of  the  votes  cast  on  each 
version. 

8.  That  all  versions  of  Psalms  in  the  second  volume  thus  sanctioned 
by  such  votes,  shall,  as  soon  as  officially  announced  by  the  chairman  of 
said  committee,  be  held  as  authorized  in  the  worship  of  tlie  clmrch. 

9.  That  the  committee  prepare  such  versions  as  are  adopted  for  pub- 
lication, in  pamphlet  form,  by  the  Board  of  Publication.  Vol.  II,  p. 
414,  1867. 

[At  the  next  Assembly  the  following  action  was  taken :] 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed,  to  which  shall  be  re- 
ferred the  versions  of  Psalms  in  the  second  volume  prepared  by  the 
committee,  with  instructions  to  select  out  of  those  having  a  majority 
over  fifty  such  as  appear  to  be  least  liable  to  objection,  and  report  the 
same  to  this  Assembly,  with  a  view  to  their  being  adopted,  as  authorized 
to  be  used  in  the  worship  of  God.     Vol.  II,  p.  502,  1868. 

[At  the  recommendation  of  this  committee  sixteen  versions  were 
adopted.     Vol.  II,  p.  508,  1868.] 

[The  following  action  was  also  taken  :] 
16 


242  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Resolved,  2.  That  *  *  *  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  com- 
mittee on  revision,  to  which  the  versions  now  adopted  shall  be  referred^ 
for  such  modifications  and  amendments  as  they  may  think  needful. 

3.  That  the  above  committee  report  the  result  of  their  labors  to  the 
next  Assembly  for  its  action. 

4.  That     *     *     *     constitute  the  committee  on  versification. 

5.  That  the  versions  overtured  last  year,  and  not  adopted,  be  re- 
committed to  said  committee,  with  instructions  to  revise  carefully 
twenty  versions  and  present  them  to  the  next  General  Assembly  for 
overture  to  Presbyteries.     Vol.  II,  p.  490,  1868. 

[The  committee  on  versification  reported  to  the  next  Assembly  that 
they  had  prepared  twenty  eight  additional  versions,  which  were  over- 
tured to  Presbyteries.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  15,  18G9.  These  twenty-eight  ver- 
sions,with  four  exceptions,  received  the  requisite  majority,  and  were  de- 
clared adopted.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  14o,  1870.] 

[A  committee  was  appointed  to  revise  the  versions  already  adopted. 
On  the  report  of  this  committee,  the  following  action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  corrections  and  emendations  reported  be  re- 
ferred to  a  committee  of  five,  *  *  *  with  instructions  to  embody 
them,  as  their  judgment  may  dictate,  in  a  collection  of  versions  to  be 
published  as  soon  as  possible. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  concur  with  the  recommendation  of  the  com- 
mittee, except  in  regard  to  Psalm  VI,  8s  and  7s,  and  agree  to  strike 
out  or  rescind  the  action  of  former  Assemblies  adopting  the  following 
versions,  namely:  Psalms  XX,  C.  M.;  XXXIX,  L.  M.,  six  lines; 
XLIII,  L.  M.;  LXXXIX,  L.  M.;  CXXXVII,  L.  M.,  and  CXLVI, 
L.  M.,  six  lines;  as  being  either  altogether  unnecessary,  or  not  as  faith- 
ful translations  as  others  that  have  been  adopted,  or  as  faithful  as  can 
be  made  of  these  Psalms;  and  that  the  committee  be  directed  to  carry 
out  this  in  preparing  the  next  edition  for  publication.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  144, 
1870. 

Resolved,  That  the  work  of  preparing  new  versions  be  discontinued 
for  the  present.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  144,  1870. 

[The  committee  on  versification,  appointed  by  the  Assembly  of  1869^ 
reported  that  they  had  prepared  thirty-three  new  versions,  when  the 
following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That,  excepting  the  versions  of  Psalms  XXXII,  L.  M., 
and  LXXII,  10s,  they  be  sent  down  in  overture  to  the  Presbyteries, 
with  instructions  to  report  their  judgment,  yea  or  nay,  to  Dr.  Beveridge, 
the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  five,  already  named,  not  later  than 
December  1,  1870;  and  that  they  regard  all  having  a  majority  of  two- 
thirds  as  adopted. 

2.  That  said  committee  be  authorized  to  count  the  votes,  and  incor- 
porate those  adopted  with  the  new  versions  already  approved. 

3.  That  said  committee,  with  the  Board  cf  Publication,  be  directed 
to  publish,  at  as  early  a  day  as  possible,  an  edition  of  the  present  version 
when  amended,  with  the  new  versions  inserted  in  their  proper  places. 

4.  That  the  Board  of  Publication  be  directed  to  publish  the  overtured 
versions  as  speedily  as  possible,  and  transmit  to  the  clerks  of  Presbyter- 
ies a  sufficient  number  of  copies  to  supply  the  ministers  and  elders  of 
each  Presbytery  respectively.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  144,  1870. 


PSALMODY.  243 

[This  committee  reported  that  twenty-six  of  these  versions  had  re- 
ceived a  majority  of  more  than  two-thirds,  and  had  been  incorporated 
in  the  revised  edition  of  tlie  Psalms,  published  by  the  direction  of  the 
Assembly.  Concerning  this  revised  edition  of  the  Psalms,  the  follow- 
ing action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  revised  edition  of  the  present  version  of  the 
Psalms,  and  the  new  versions  published  in  the  same  volume,  by  direc- 
tion of  the  Twelfth  General  Assembly,  be  authorized  to  be  used'accord- 
ing  to  the  action  of  that  Assembly. 

2.  That  the  committee  are  entitled  to  the  thanks  of  tie  Assembly 
and  the  church  for  the  faithfulness  and  ability  with  which  their  duty 
has  been  performed. 

4.  That  the  present  committee,  *  *  *  be  continued  to  super- 
vise and  correct  any  typograpliical  and  verbal  inaccuracies  that  may 
occur  in  the  publication  of  this  authorized  edition.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  284, 
1871. 

[T)ie  history  of  the  preparation  of  the  new  version  of  the  Psalms  is 
thus  given  by  the  committee  :] 

It  is  now  forty.four  years  since  the  propriety  of  amending  our  version 
of  the  Psalms,  and  introducing  additional  duplicate  versions,  was  su<r- 
gested  in  the  "  Religious  Monitor,"  Vol.  I,  pp.  497-500.  The  proposal 
at  the  time  met  with  little  favor,  but  has  never  since  been  entirely  for- 
gotten. During  the  twelve  years  since  our  union,  committees  have 
been  again  and  again  appointed  to  attend  to  this  business.  There  have 
now  been  prepared  and  published  by  these  committees  173  versions,  not 
including  twelve  which  were  only  republished  with  amendments.  Of 
these  173,  there  have  been  adopted  145,  and  nearly  all  by  majorities  of 
more  than  two-thirds,  and  not  a  few  almost  unanimously.  Seven  of 
these  have  since,  for  various  reasons,  been  dropped  ;  leaving  still  138 
versions,  embracing  117  Psalms,  authorized  to  be  used,  in  worship,  by 
the  church.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  313,  1871. 

6.  The  Introduction  of  the  Amended  and  New  Versions  into 
Congregational  Worship.— i^eso^rec?,  l.  That  the  revised  Psalma 
are  commended  to  all  our  congregations,  with  increased  confidence  in 
their  fidelity,  excellence  and  peculiar  fitness  for  the  praise  of  the 
churches  at  the  present  time. 

2.  That  we  do  affectionately  and  sincerely  recommend  that  all  our 
congregations  introduce  the  revised  Psalms  into  all  their  worship,  in 
private  and  in  public,  as  soon  as  practicable. 

3.  That  it  is  the  deliberate  judgment  of  this  General  Assembly, 
which  we  solemnly  commend  to  the  consideration  of  all  our  people, 
that  by  the  early  and  harmonious  introduction  of  the  revised  Psalms^ 
they  will  contribute  their  best  influence  for  the  conservation  and  perl 
petuation  of  the  Psalms  of  the  Bible  in  the  Church  of  God  Vol  III 
p.  388,  1872.  '        ' 

Ee&olved,  That  it  is  the  province  of  the  Session  to  decide  when  the 
revised  Psalm  Book  shall  be  introduced  into  the  confrreffations      Vol 
IV,  p.  33,  1874.  °    ^ 

7.  Selections  from  the  Psalms  to  be  Published  by  the  Board 

or  Publication.— i?eso/rcc?.  That  the  Board  of  Publication  be  author- 
ized to  publish  selections  from  the  revised  edition  of  the  Book  of  Psalms 


244  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

for  use  in  prayer  meetings  and  Sabbath  Schools.  Vol.  IV,  p.  189, 
1875. 

8.  Version  and  Copyright  of  Prof.  Abner  Jones — [When  the 

committee  had  printed  sixty-seven  selected  and  prepared  versions,  Prof. 
Abner  Jones,  who  had  published  a  version,  gave  notice  that  he  would 
regard  the  publication  of"  them  an  infringement  of  his  copyright.  Vol. 
I,  p.  305,  1861.  The  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with 
him  on  the  subject.  P.  223.  Prof.  Jones  presented  to  the  Assembly 
of  18G4  a  memorial  on  the  subject  of  his  copyright,  and  the  Assembly 
suspended  further  consideration  of  the  versions  then  before  it  until  the 
question  of  copyright  was  settled,  and  at  tiie  same  time  assured  Mr. 
Jones  that  it  would  not  do  anything  that  would  infringe  his  right  or  that 
of  any  other  author,  without  permission  and  satisfactory  compensation. 
It  also  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  Mr.  Jones.  Vol.  II,  pp. 
27,  30,  1864.  'Jliis  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly,  and  the 
Assembly  again  disclaimed  any  intention  of  interfering  with  the  copy- 
right of  Mr.  Jones,  and  approved  tiie  determination  of  the  committee  to 
avoid  borrowing  from  his  version.  Vol.  II,  p.  159,  1865.  Mrs.  Jones 
proposed  to  the  Assembly  to  sell  the  coi)yright  of  her  late  husband,  and 
the  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  her  on  the  subject, 
and  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  Vol.  II,  p.  490,  1868.  The  subject 
does  not  again  appear.] 

9.  Cop3rright  to  the  New  Versions. — The  publishers  of  the  Sab- 
bath School  Quarterly  of  Chicago  asked  permission  to  use  the  revised 
edition  of  the  Book  of  Psalms  in  making  selections  for  their  publication. 
The  privilege  was  granted  on  condition  they  would  give  a  like  privilege 
concerning  the  music  published  with  the  selections.  Vol.  IV,  p.  590, 
1878. 

See  also  Psalter,  Sec.  3. 

10.  The  Psalter   and    Bible  Songs. — See  Bible    Songs,   and 

Psalter. 

11.  A  Conference  of  Psalm-singing  Churches. — A  communica- 
tion was  received  from  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the  South, 
asking  the  appointment  of  delegates  to  a  conference  of  Psalm-singing 
Churches.  The  appointment  was  made.  Vol.  VI,  p.  31,  1884,  The 
conference  was  held  in  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  on  September  25,  1884,  and 
was  composed  of  delegates  from  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  of  the 
South,  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  the  General 
Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  and  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.  A  paper  was  adopted  to  be 
transmitted  to  the  different  churches  represented,  that  they  might  ex- 
press their  judgment  for  the  direction  of  a  future  conference.  This 
paper  was  referred  to  a  committee,  but  no  further  action  appears.  Vol. 
VI,  pp.  220,  296,  1885. 

12.  A  Psalmody  Alliance  Proposed. — [A  paper  was  submitted  to 

the  Assembly,  proposing  the  formation  of  a  "  Psalmody  Alliance."] 
In  the  judgment  of  the  General  Assembly  such  an  alliance  could  not 
bear  more  effective  testimony  for  an  inspired  psalmody  than  is  now 
borne  by  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.  [The  Principal  Clerk  was 
therefore,  instructed  to  reply  that  the  Assembly  respectfully  declines  to 
enter  the  proposed  alliance.]     Vol.  VII,  p.  35,  1888. 


PSALTEU,  THE.  245 


XCIV.     PSALTER,  THE. 


1.  The  Psalter. — Whereas,  Uniformity  in  singing  the  praises  of 
our  Zion,  in  all  our  congregations,  is  desirable  ;  and  whereas,  experience 
has  proved  that  a  Psalter  prepared  with  appropriate  music  set  to  each 
psalm  in  the  hands  of  every  worshiper,  is  essential  to  the  accomplish- 
ment of  this  end,  and  at  the  same  time  is  an  efficient  aid  to  singing  by 
the  whole  congregation  ;  and,  whereas,  Rev.  R.  li.  Robertson  and  Rev. 
John  Gailey  have  with  great  care,  and  we  believe  with  a  good  measure 
of  success,  prepared  such  a  Psalter,  and  are  now  ready  to  put  it  into  the 
hands  of  of  our  people  ; 

Resolved,  That  we  cordially  commend  this  book  to  our  people.  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  417,  1872. 

[The  Psalter  was  purchased  by  the  Board  of  Publication.] 
Resolved,  1.  That  the  Board  [of  Publication]  take  steps  to  so  revise 
the  Psalter  as  to  obviate  the  above  difficulty,  [viz  :  often  presenting  the 
music  on  one  side  of  the  leaf  and  the  words  on  the  other.] 

2.  That  a  limited  number  of  chants  and  anthems  be  inserted  as  an 
appendix,  and  that  as  regards  the  musical  changes  proposed,  the  Board 
be  directed  to  consult  the  Committee  on  Selections.  Vol.  IV,  p.  590, 
1878. 

2.  Revision  of  the  Psalter. — Resolved,  2.  That  the  Board  [of 
Publication]  be  directed  to  make,  or  have  made,  such  a  revision  of  the 
Psalter  as  in  their  judgment  shall  be  deemed  wise  and  proper,  and  to 
submit  the  same  to  the  next  General  Assembly  for  approval.  Vol.  VI, 
p.  37,  1884. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  Board  be  directed  to  continue  the  work  of  re- 
vising the  Psalter,  and  report  to  the  Assembly  at  as  early  a  period  as 
is  consistent  with  the  requirements  of  the  work.  Vol.  VI,  p.  229, 
1885. 

[The  Board  reported  progress,  and  the  Assembly  requested  the  com- 
pletion of  the  work,  and  directed  its  publication  as  soon  as  completed. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  441,  188G.  The  Board  reported  to  the  Assembly  that "  the 
new  Psalter  has  been  published  and  is  now  before  the  Church."  Vol. 
VI,  p.  722,  1887.] 

3.  Copyright  on  Psalter  and  Bible  Songs. — [The  Presbytery 

of  Omaha  memorialized  the  General  Assembly  to  order  the  abandon- 
ment of  the  copywright  to  the  Psalter  and  Bible  Songs  held  by  the 
Board  of  Publication.     The  Assembly  took  the  following  action  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Publication  be  directed  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  questions  suggested  by  the  request  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Omaha,  and  act  as  it  may  deem  best  calculated  to  protect  and  promote 
the  interests  committed  to  its  charge.     Vol.  VII,  p.  211,  1889. 

[The  Board  reported  :  "  The  Board  expresses  its  judgment  that  these 
copyrights    should  be  retained."      The  Assembly  adopted   the  follow- 

3.  That  the  conclusions  reached  by  the  Board  regarding  its  copy- 
rights to  the  Revised  Psalms,  Psalter  and  Bible  Songs  be  approved. 
Vol.  VII,  pp.  473,  433,  1890. 

4.  The  Denominational  Imprint  on  the  Psalter.— [The  Presby- 
tery of  Omaha  memorialized  the  General  Assembly  to  direct  the  Board 


246  DIGEST  OF  THE  ACTS  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY. 

of  Publication  to  publish  the  Psalter  and  Bible  Songs  without  its  im- 
print, or  the  name  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  upon  them.  The 
Assembly  directed  the  Board  of  Publication  "to  take  into  consideration 
the  questions  suggested  by  the  request  of  the  Presbytery  of  Omaha,  and 
act  as  it  may  deem  best  calculated  to  protect  and  promote  the  interests 
committed  to  its  charge."  Vol.  VII,  p.  211,  1889.  Tlie  Board  re- 
ported to  the  Assembly:  "The  Board  believes  it  would  not  accrue  to 
the  advantage  of  our  Church,  or  to  the  cause  of  Christ  in  any  way,  to 
leave  off'  the  imprint  of  the  Board  from  the  Psalter  and  Bible  Songs." 
The  Assembly  took  the  following  action :] 

Resolved,  4.  That  we  approve  of  tlie  work  ©f  the  Board  in  publishing 
its  imprint  on  ti)e  "  Bible  Songs  "  and  "  Psalters."  Vol.  VII,  pp.  474, 
433,  1890.     [See  also,  Bible  Songs,  Sec.  5.] 

XCV.     PUBLICATION,  BOARD  OF. 
1.  Charter  of  the  Board  of  Publication.— [Granted  by  the 

Legislature  of  Pennsylvania;  approved  by  the  Governor,  April  14, 
18G3,  and  accepted  by  the  Assembly,  Vol.  I,  p.  484,  1863.] 

Section  1.  Be  it  enacted,  &c.,  that  Rev.  David  R.  Kerr,  D.  D., 
Rev.  James  Prestley,  D.  D.,  Rev.  James  Rodgers,  D.  D.,  Rev.  John 
G.  Brown,  D.  D.,  Rev.  George  C.  Vincent,  Charles  Arbuthnot,  James 
McCandless,  James  Robb  and  William  Stevenson  and  their  successors 
in  office  be  and  they  hereby  are  constituted  and  created  a  body  politic 
and  corporate,  in  deed  and  in  law,  by  the  name,  style  and  title  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Board  of  Publication;  and  by  that  name  to  have 
perpetual  succession,  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be  impleaded,  in  all 
the  courts  of  law  and  equity,  or  before  any  Alderman  or  Justice  of  the 
Peace,  in  all  manner  of  suits,  complaints,  pleas,  matters  and  demands 
of  whatever  nature  or  kind  the  same  may  be,  and  to  adopt  and  use  a 
common  seal,  and  the  same  to  change  at  pleasure. 

Sec.  2.  That  said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  take,  hold,  re- 
ceive and  possess  goods,  chattels,  rights,  credits,  moneys  and  bequests; 
and  use,  sell,  convert  and  dispose  of  the  same  for  the  objects  and  pur- 
poses hereinafter  set  forth.  All  conveyances  of  real  estate  shall  be 
made  to  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presby- 
terian Ciiurch  of  North  America,  in  trust  for  said  United  Presbyterian 
Board  of  Publication.  Provided.;  That  the  net  annual  income  shall  not 
exceed  $20,000. 

Sec.  3.  That  the  object  of  said  corporation  shall  be  two-fold  :  First. 
To  purchase  or  print  and  circulate  the  Holy  Scriptures,  or  parts  of  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  in  the  authorized  version,  together  with  tlie  Psalms, 
in  metre,  according  to  the  version  approved  by  the  United  Presbyterian 
Churcii.  Second.  To  select  and  publish  such  tracts,  papers,  periodicals 
and  books  as  shall  be  a  sound  and  suitable  religious  literature  for  Sab- 
bath-schools, ministers,  congregations,  and  the  community  at  large,  and 
to  take  such  measures  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  distribution  and  cir- 
culation of  the  same. 

Sec.  4.  That,  besides  the  general  publication  fund,  said  corporation 
shall  keep  a  separate  fund  to  be  known  by  the  title  of  the  Bible  Fund; 
and  all  donations  and  bequests  made  to  that  fund,  shall  be  so  credited, 


PUBLICATION,  BOARD    OF.  247 

and  applied  to  no  other  object  than  that  specified  in  the  first  part  of 
section  third. 

Sec.  5.  That  said  Board  of  Publication  shall  be  under  and  subject 
to  the  control  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  report  annually  at  the  meeting  of 
the  said  Assembly,  for  their  approval,  the  amount  of  donations  and  be- 
quests made  throughout  the  year,  to  the  Bible  Fund,  as  well  as  to  the 
general  publication  fund,  what  amount  has  been  expended  in  each  of 
these  departments,  and  how  expended,  the  state  of  the  treasury,  stock 
on  hand,  and  any  other  items  of  information  which  it  may  be  import- 
ant for  the  Assembly  to  know. 

Sec.  G.  That  the  persons  herein  designated  as  corporators  shall,  as 
soon  as  practicable,  organize  and  elect  a  Board  of  Managers,  not  ex- 
ceeding nine  in  number,  who  shall  determine  the  manner  of  electing 
members  and  officers  of  the  Board,  when  the  term  of  such  members  and 
officers  shall  expire,  how  vacancies  of  members  and  officers  shall  be 
filled,  the  time  of  meeting,  the  number  necessary  to  constitute  a 
quorum,  and  make  rules,  regulations  and  by-laws  necessary  to  carry  out 
the  objects  herein  set  forth.  Provided,  That  said  rules,  regulations  and 
by-laws  be  not  repugnant  to  the  constitution  and  laws  of  this  Common- 
wealth, and  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States. 

[A  supplement  to  the  charter  of  the  Board  of  Publication  was  ordered 
by  tlie  Assembly.  Vol.  I,  p.  484,  18G3;  granted  by  the  Legislature- of 
Pennsylvania,  and  approved  by  the  Governor,  April  18,  1864.] 

Section  1.  Be  it  enacted,  &c.,  that  the  business  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Board  of  Publication  shall  be  under  the  control  and  man- 
agement of  a  Board  of  nine  managers,  five  of  whom  shall  constitute  a 
quorum  ;  the  said  managers  shall  be  elected  by  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  shall  hold  tlieir  office  for  three 
years;  but  the  term  of  office  of  the  present  Board  shall  expire  as  fol- 
lows :  The  first  three  named,  in  one  year  from  the  time  of  their  elec- 
tion, the  next  three  in  two  j-^ears,  and  three  members  shall  be  elected 
hereafter  annually. 

Sec.  2.  So  much  of  the  sixth  section  of  the  act  to  which  this  is  a 
supplement,  as  is  inconsistent  herewith,  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  re- 
pealed. 

[An  amendment  to  the  charter  of  the  Board  of  Publication  was 
granted  by  the  Legislature  of  Pennsylvania ;  approved  by  the  Gov- 
ernor, April  3,  1872,  and  accepted  by  the  General  Assembly,  Vol.  Ill, 
p.  389,  1872.] 

Section  1.  Be  it  enacted,  &c.,  that  section  second  of  said  act  of  in- 
corporation be  and  hereby  is  so  amended  as  to  read  as  follows,  viz.: 

"  Sec.  2.  That  said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  take,  hold,  re- 
ceive and  possess  goods,  chattels,  rights,  credits,  bequests  and  titles  to 
real  estate  made  or  to  be  made,  and  to  use,  sell,  convert  and  dispose  of 
the  same  for  the  objects  and  purposes  hereinafter  set  forth." 

Sec.  2.  That  said  Board  of  Publication  shall  have  power  to  fill 
vacancies  occuring  in  the  interval  between  the  meetings  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  the  persons  so  appointed 
to  hold  office  only  till  the  meeting  of  said  Assembly. 

Sec.  3.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  of  force  when  accepted  by 


248  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North 
America. 

[The  supplement  to  the  charter,  Sec.  1,  was  so  amended  as  to  make 
the  Board  consist  of  "  fifteen  managers,  eight  of  whom  shall  constitute 
a  quorum."     Vol.  V,  p.  796,  1883  ;  Vol.  VI,  p.  78,  1884.] 

2.  Constitution  of  the  Board  of  Publication. — [A  constitution  for 

the  Board  of  Publication  was  adopted,  Vol.  I,  p.  47,  1859,  but  it  was 
superseded  by  the  general  constitution  of  the  Boards,  and  the  following 
new  constitution  :] 

1.  This  Board  shall  be  styled  "  The  Board  of  Publication  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,"  and  shall  be  located 
in  the  city  of  Pittsburgh. 

2.  The  duties  and  powers  of  this  Board  shall  be  to  select  and  publish 
such  tracts,  papers,  periodicals  and  books  as  shall  be  a  sound  and  suit- 
able literature  for  families.  Sabbath-schools,  ministers  and  the  com- 
munity at  large  ;  to  take  proper  measures  for  the  widespread  circulation 
of  its  publications,  and  to  publish  whatever  the  Assembly  may  direct. 
The  affairs  of  the  Board  shall  be  so  managed,  that  its  liabilities  shall 
not  exceed  its  assets  available  within  the  year,  and  so  as  to  furnish  its 
publications  at  the  cheapest  possible  rates.     Vol.  IV,  p.  25,  1874. 

3.  Regulations  of  the  Board  of  Publication. — [Certain  regula- 
tions were  recommended,  Vol.  IV,  p.  89,  1874.  The  following  were 
adQpted,  Vol.  IV,  p.  590,  1878:] 

First Your  committee  would  recommend  that  the  Board  of  Pub- 
lication be  instructed  to  form  by-laws,  defining  the  duties  of  the  corre- 
sponding secretary,  viz.: 

1.  To  edit  any  periodical  authorized  to  be  published  by  the  Board. 

2.  To  receive  all  matter  for  publication,  and  submit  it,  with  his  judg- 
ment, to  the  Board. 

3.  To  conduct  all  correspondence  with  authors,  and  fix  the  price 
of  copyright,  subject  to  approval  by  the  Board  ;  to  prepare  all  works  for 
the  press,  and  be  responsible  for  the  accuracy  of  the  same. 

4.  To  prepare  the  annual  report  of  the  Board  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly, containing  a  full  statement  of  the  condition,  wants  and  work  of 
the  Board,  said  report  to  be  submitted  to  the  Board  for  approval  at 
its  last  regular  meeting  previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly ;  also,  to  prepare  a  report  of  more  general  character  as  to  the  work 
and  condition  of  the  Board,  to  be  presented  to  the  different  Synods  each 
year. 

5.  To  be  ex-officio  a  member  of  the  permanent  committees,  except 
the  auditing  committee. 

Second. — Your  committee  would  recommend  that  the  Board  be  in- 
structed to  create  the  office  of  business  manager,  and  that  his  duties  shall 
be  as  follows : 

1.  This  officer  shall  be  under  the  more  immediate  control  of  the 
executive  committee,  and  shall  take  charge  of  the  Board's  buildings, 
books,  stereotype  plates  and  other  property,  as  the  committee  may 
direct. 

2.  He  shall  make  all  contracts  for  printing,  binding,  engraving,  stereo- 
typing and  advertising ;  make  all  purchases  of  material  used  in  the  bus- 
iness ;  and  give  all  orders  for  work  or  material  on  behalf  of  the  Board, 
subject  to  the  approval  of  the  same  committee. 


PUBLICATION,  BOARD    OF.  249 

3.  He  shall  lay  before  the  auditing  committee,  at  its  monthly  meetings, 
all  bills  due  by  the  Board. 

4.  He  shall  take  charge  of  sales,  and  use  all  practical  means  to  ex- 
tend them  ;  he  shall  give  his  undivided  time  to  tlie  Board,  and  not  be 
allowed  to  engage  in  any  other  business  ;  he  shall  receive  all  orders  for 
books,  and  conduct  all  correspondence  with  booksellers,  and  other  busi- 
ness correspondence. 

5.  He  shall  report  to  the  corresponding  secretary  in  full,  as  per  forms 
adopted  by  this  Assembly,  the  business  of  the  year,  in  time  for  him  to 
make  his  report  to  the  Assembly  and  be  adopted  at  the  regular  May 
meeting  of  the  Board,  previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly. 

6.  He  shall  report  monthly  to  the  Board  the  amount  of  the  sales  of 
each  month,  and  any  other  information  the  executive  committee  may  re- 
quire.    Vol.  IV,  p.  634,  1878. 

Hesolved,  I.  That  the  blank  forms  prepared  by  this  committee  for 
annual  exhibits  be  recommended  for  use. 

2.  That  the  Board  have  authority  to  provide  a  business  manager  who 
shall  be  directly  responsible  to  the  Board. 

4.  That  the  Board  be  authorized  to  make  such  provision  for  aid  to  the 
manager  as  will  enable  him  to  prosecute,  systematically  and  efficiently, 
all  the  work  connected  with  the  publishing  house,  and  that  they  take 
note  of  all  mutters  to  which  attention  is  called  by  your  special  commit- 
tee.    Vol.  IV,  p.  590,  1878. 

4.  The  Board  to  Collect  Material   for   a   History  of  the 

Church. — Reavlved,  3.  That  tlie  Board  be  instructed  to  obtain  all  the 
material  that  they  can  for  a  complete  history  of  the  United  Presbyte- 
rian Church.     Vol.  I.  p.  223,  18GI. 

5.  The  Board  to  Establish  a  Bible  and  Psalm  Book  Fund.— 

Resolved,  5.  That  the  Board  be  authorized  and  directed  to  establish 
a  fund,  with  a  view  to  publishing  the  Scriptures,  and  along  with  them, 
an  approved  metrical  version  of  the  Psalms,  when  such  a  version  shall 
have  been  prepared  and  adopted  by  the  Assembly  ;  and  that  the  be- 
quests and  donations  already  made  to  the  Board  for  this  purpose  be  the 
commencement  of  this  fund.     Vol.  I,  p.  487,  1863. 

Resolved,  6.  That  we  recommend  the  establishment  of  a  Psalm  Book 
fund,  to  which  special  contributions  may  be  invited,  to  enable  the  Board 
to  make  donations  of  Psalm  Books  as  donations  of  Bibles  with  the 
Psalms  are  now  made,  and  that  $1,000  be  appropriated  to  this  fund 
from  the  funds  contributed  to  the  Board  during  the  year.  Vol.  Ill,  p. 
389,  1872. 

6.  The  Board  to  Establish  Depositories. — Resolved,  Q,,  That  this 

Assembly  recommends  that  a  depository  for  the  sale  and  distribution 
of  the  publications  of  the  Board  be  established  in  each  Synod  subordi- 
nate to  the  Assembly,  and  that  the  location  of  such  depository  be  under 
the  direction  of  the  several  subordinate  Synods  respectively,  and  that 
ministers  be  urged  to  call  the  attention  of  the  people  to  these  publica- 
tions.    Vol.  I,  p.  487,  1863. 

Resolved,  3.  That  in  accordance  with  the  memorial  from  the  Presby- 
tery of  Delaware,  and  in  order  that  the  publications  of  this  Board  may 
be  more  easily  obtained  by  all  the  members  of  our  church  and  all  others 
who   desire    them,  the  superintendent  be  directed,  upon  application  of 


250  DIGEST  OF  THE  ACTS  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY. 

Presbyteries,  with  approved  security,  to  establish  an  agency  within  the 
bounds  of  each  Presbytery,  wliere  all  the  publications  of  the  Board  may 
be  obtained,  at  the  lowest  retail  prices  of  the  Board.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  389, 
1872. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  Board  is  hereby  directed  to  carry  out  the  regu- 
lation adopted  in  1863,  and  establish,  as  soon  as  practicable,  deposito- 
ries in  the  various  Synods,  with  a  view  to  supplying  our  people  with  a 
sound  literature.     Vol.  V,  p.  37,  1879. 

7.  The  Board  to  Make  Donations  to  Weak  Congregations 

and  Sabbath  Schools. — Resolved,  7.  That  the  Board  be  and  hereby 
is  authorized  to  make  donations  of  books  and  libraries  to  weak  and  indi- 
gent Sabbath  Schools,  and  that  discretionary  power  be  granted  to  it  in 
the  selection  of  such  schools.     Vol.  I,  p.  487,  1863. 

Resolved  3.  That  applications  to  the  Board  for  donations  to  Sab- 
bath Schools  in  weak  congregations  and  mission  stations  be  made 
through  the  superintendents  of  missions  in  the  Presbyteries,  or  if  at  all 
practicable,  through  the  Presbyteries.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  18,  1869. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  Board  be  authorized  to  donate  to  missions.  Sab- 
bath Sciiools,  theological  students  and  missionaries,  in  suitable  books,  an 
amount  equal  to  the  contributions  made  during  the  year.  Vol.  IV,  p. 
591,  1878. 

8.  The  Board  Authorized  to  Encourage  the  Preparation  of 
Original   Works  by  Paying   for   Manuscripts  and  Offering 

Prizes. — Resolved,  2.  That  the  Board  be  authorized  to  encourage  the 
preparation  of  original  works,  by  paying  a  reasonable  price  for  manu- 
scripts, which,  in  their  judgment,  are  suitable  for  publication.  Vol.  Ill, 
p.  18,  1869. 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly  heartily  commend  the  Board  of  Pub- 
lication in  its  efforts  to  increase  our  own  church's  literature,  and  we  do 
hereby  authorize  said  Board  to  offer  prizes  for  the  best  manuscripts  from 
members  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  said  offers  to  be  subject  to 
the  regulations  mentioned  in  the  printed  statement  of  the  Board  to  this 
Assembly.     Vol.  IV,  p.  323,  1876. 

9.  The  Board  to  Publish  a  Church  Register  and  Blanks  for 

the  Use  of  Sessions,  etc. — Resolved,  That  in  accordance  with  the 
petition  of  tlie  Westmoreland  Presbytery,  the  Board  of  Publication  be 
authorized  to  prepare  and  publish  a  church  register  and  blanks  for  the 
use  of  Sessions,  missionaries  and  financial  agents,  in  such  form  and  in 
such  numbers  as  the  exigencies  of  the  Church  may,  in  the  judgment  of 
the  Board,  di^mand.     Vol.  I,  p.  487,  1863. 

10.  The  Board  to  Establish  a  System  of  Colportage.— [The 

General  Assembly  instructed  the  Board  to  establish  a  system  ot  colport- 
age. Vol.  V,  p.  37,  1879.  The  Board  reported  regulations  for  this 
work,  and  the  Assembly  approved  the  same.     Vol.  V,  p.  231,  1880.] 

11.  Sabbath-School  Publications  Purchased. — [The  proprietors 

of  the  Sabbath-School  publications  in  general  use  in  the  Church  pro- 
posed to  sell  them  to  the  Board  of  Publication.  The  Assembly  adopted 
the  following:] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Board  are  hereby  instructed  to  purchase  these 
publications,  and  proceed  as  soon  as  possible  to  take  them  under  their 
control  and  management,  provided  they  can  be  purchased  on  equitable 
and  satisfactory  terms. 


PUBLICATION,  BOARD    OF.  251 

2.  That  in  case  the  purchases  are  made,  the  appointment  and  com- 
pensation of  the  editor  or  editors  of  the  periodicals  shall  be  left,  for  the 
current  year,  to  the  Board,  subject  to  the  approval  of  the  General  As- 
sembly.    Vol.  V,  p.  197,  1880. 

[The  Board  reported  to  the  next  Assembly  that  the  purchase  had 
been  made.] 

12,  Consolidation  of  the  Sabbath-School  Commitee  and  the 

Board  of  Publication. — [A  report  was  submitted  to  the  General 
Assembly  of  1882,  by  a  joint  committee  composed  of  the  Committees 
on  Sabbath-schools  and  the  Board  of  Publication,  recommending  that 
the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sabbath-schools  and  the  Board  of  Pub- 
lication be  consolidated.  The  subject  was  referred  to  a  special  com- 
mittee to  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  This  committee  reported  that 
the  Sabbath-school  work  would  be  made  more  efficient  by  the  proposed 
consolidation,  and  submitted  the  following  plan  :] 

1.  The  Supplement  to  the  Charter  of  the  Board  of  Publication  shall 
be  so  amended  as  to  place  it  under  the  management  of  a  Board  of 
fifteen  (15)  managers,  eight  (8)  of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

II.  The  Board  of  Publication  is  hereby  directed  to  appoint  at  its  first 
regular  meeting  after  the  aforesaid  amendment  to  the  charter  has  been 
secured,  and  annually  thereafter,  six  (6)  of  its  members  who,  with  the 
editor  of  the  Sabbath-school  periodicals,  shall  constitute  the  Sabbath- 
school  Committee  of  said  Board,  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  com- 
mittee to  have  general  oversight  of  the  Sabbath-school  interests  involved 
in  the  work  of  the  Board,  to  prepare  and  present  to  the  Board  suitable 
action  with  reference  thereto,  and  to  perform,  subject  to  the  approval  of 
the  Board,  all  the  duties  now  devolving  upon  the  Assembly's  Permanent 
Committee  on  Sabbath-schools. 

III.  The  Board  is  also  instrucfed  to  direct  its  editor  to  present  the 
Sabbath-school  work,  when  practicable,  to  the  Synods  and  Assemblies 
and  in  the  Theological  Seminaries,  urging  its  importance,  describing  its 
improved  methods  of  teaching  and  managing,  and  giving  whatever  other 
information  will  be  likely  to  create  for  it  a  greater  interest  and  promote 
its  usefulness. 

IV.  The  Board  of  Publication  is  hereby  directed  to  secure  such  legal 
action  as  will  carry  these  resolutions  into  effect. 

V.  The  Permanent  Committee  is  hereby  declared  to  be  dissolved  so 
soon  as  the  Board  of  Publication  has  been  organized  in  accordance  with 
the  foregoing  resolutions. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  plan  of  consolidation  of  the  Board  of  Publica- 
tion and  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sabbath-schools,  reported  by  the 
Committee  on  Consolidation,  be  adopted. 

2.  That  the  general  constitution  of  the  Boards  of  the  Church  be 
amended  so  as  to  read  :  "  1.  The  several  Boards  now  in  existence  shall 
each  be  composed  of  not  less  than  nine  members."  Vol.  V,  pp.  796, 
722,  1883. 

13.  The  Board  to  Publish  Tracts  on  the  Work  and  Principles 

of  the  Church. — Resolved,  3.  Tliat  with  a  view  of  promoting  an  in- 
telligent interest  in  the  general  work  of  the  Church,  the  Board  of  Pub- 
lication be  instructed  to  have  prepared  and  published  an  inexpensive 
pamphlet  on  the  subject.     Vol.  VI,  p.  681,  1887. 


252  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

6.  That  the  Board  be  instructed  to  prepare  and  publish  without  de- 
lay, in  tract  form,  a  brief,  concise  and  inexpensive  statement  of  the 
doctrines  and  distinctive  principles  of  our  Church,  suitable  to  put  into 
the  hands  of  young  Christians  and  others  not  familiar  with  them.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  433,  1890. 

14.  The  Board  to  Publish  Temperance  Literature. — Resolved, 

4.  That  the  Board  of  Publication  be  instructed  to  prepare  a  tract,  em- 
bodying the  deliverances  of  the  General  Assembly  on  the  subject  of 
Temperance,  and  to  provide  such  literature  on  present  reform  move- 
ments as  may  be  suitable  and  demanded,  for  gratuitous  distribution. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  638,  1891. 

5.  Statistics  of  Contributions  to  the  Board  of  Publication.— 

The  General  Assembly  gave  order  that  the  column  in  the  statistical 
tables  iieaded — "  Publication  "  be  discontinued,  and  that  the  contribu- 
tions to  this  Board  be  included  in  "General  Contributions."  Vol.  VII, 
p.  637,  1891. 

XCVI.     QUARTER  CENTENNIAL  COMMISSION. 

1.  A  Memorial  Fund. — [The  Synod  of  New  York  presented  to  the 
General  Assembly  a  petition  that  steps  be  taken  to  raise  a  special  fund 
of  $500,000  for  church  work,  as  a  memorial  of  the  union  in  which  the 
Church  was  organized.  In  view  of  the  effort  necessary  to  meet  the  in- 
creased appropriations  to  the  Boards,  the  Assembly  regarded  it  inexpe- 
dient to  undertake  to  raise  the  special  fund.     Vol.  V,  j).  533,  1882. 

Subsequently  a  general  convention,  held  in  the  First  Church,  Alle- 
gheny, Pa.,  on  September  6,  1882,  "endorsed  the  proposed  movement 
to  raise  $500,000  as  an  expression  of  gratitude  to  God  for  his  grace; 
designated  the  objects  to  which  contributions  should  be  made;  ordered 
that  contributions  should  be  made  to  no  other  objects  except  in  certain 
specified  cases ;  asked  the  Assembly  to  distribute  all  money  not  desig- 
nated by  the  donors;  appointed  a  committee,  called  the  Quarter-Cen- 
tennial Commission,  to  liave  charge  ot  the  movement,  to  use  all  neces- 
sary means  to  bring  it  to  the  attention  of  the  Church,  and  to  exercise 
all  diligence  to  prosecute  it  to  completion ;  and  directed  the  Commission 
to  report  in  full  to  the  next  General  Assembly." 

The  Commission  reported  to  the  Assembly  that  their  efforts  had  met 
with  a  most  cordial  response;  that  tlie  subscriptions  to  the  fund 
amounted  to  $387,984.70,  of  which  $131,593.30  had  been  paid;  and 
suggested  that  the  work  be  continued  during  another  year.  Vol.  V,  p. 
792,  1883. 

In  order  to  the  better  prosecution  of  its  work,  the  Quarter-Centennial 
Commission  became  an  incorporated  body. 

The  General  Assembly  expressed  its  gratification  at  the  work  accom- 
plished by  the  Commission;  continued  the  Commission  for  another 
year,  with  instructions  to  complete  the  work  of  canvassing  the  entire 
Church,  and  to  report  its  diligence  to  the  next  Assembly;  instructed  it 
to  prepare  and  publish  for  free  distribution  a  history  of  the  Memorial 
Fund,  and  devoutly  acknowledged  the  grace  of  God,  and  returned 
thanks  to  the  donors.  The  General  Assembly  also  set  forth  at  length 
the  principles  governing  it  in  the  distribution  of  the  fund,  and  gave  the 
following  orders:] 


QUARTER    CENTENNIAL    COMMISSION.  253 

Resolved,  1,  That  all  designated  contributions  of  the  Memorial  Fund 
be  applied  strictly  to  the  objects  designated. 

2.  That  the  Boards  of  Publication  and  Education,  and  other  objects 
not  specified  by  the  original  Conference,  yet  subsequently  admitted  to 
shares  of  the  Memorial  Fund  by  designation  of  donors,  and  approved 
by  the  Commission,  be  granted  the  sums  designated  respectively  to  them, 
and  no  more. 

3.  That  the  Memorial  Fund,  less  the  sum  of  all  these  designations  to 
such  other  objects,  be  ordered  to  be  appropriated  to  objects,  and  accord- 
ing to  a  schedule  of  percentage,  as  follows  :  To  Foreign  Missions,  20 
per  cent.;  Home  Missions,  o  per  cent.;  Church  Extension,  14  per  cent.; 
Freedmen's  Mission,  4  per  cent.;  Ministerial  Relief,  4  per  cent,;  Alle- 
gheny Theological  Seminary,  9  percent.;  Xenia  Theological  Seminary, 
9  per  cent.;  Westminster  College,  12  per  cent.;  Monmouth  College,  12 
per  cent.;  Muskingum  College  8  per  cent.;  Knoxville  College's  per 
cent.;  provided  the  aggregate  contributions  designated  to  any  of  the 
above  objects  do  not  exceed  the  above  percentage  in  its  behalf:  but  if 
there  should  be  such  excess  in  the  designations  to  any,  or  to  several  of 
the  above  named  objects,  then,  on  such  condition,  all  the  above  appor- 
tionments not  thus  exceeded  by  such  designations  shall  suffer  corres- 
ponding diminution  joro  rata. 

4.  That  of  the  undesignated  money  in  the  Memorial  Fund,  there  be 
distributed  to  the  objects  specified  in  the  third  resolution  respectively 
such  sums  as,  with  the  designations  to  the  same,  will  make  up  the 
percentages  ordered. 

[Also  the  following  in  relation  to  moneys  now  or  hereafter  comin^ 
into  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  be  and  hereafter  is  directed  to  make  a 
quarterly  disbursement  of  all  moneys  received  and  designated  by  donors 
to  objects  specified  by  the  preliminary  Conference,  or  approved  by  the 
Commission,  to  the  objects  designated,  and  that  of  the  undesignated 
money  received  by  him,  he  make  disbursement  according  to  the  above 
schedule  of  apportionment ;  that  he  make  the  first  disbursement  the  15tli 
of  June,  1883,  and  quarterly  disbursements  thereafter  until  the  accounts 
be  closed  and  subscriptions  to  the  Quarter-Centennial  Fund  be  settled. 
Vol.  V.  pp.  792,  737,  1883. 

[The  Commission  was  continued  from  year  to  year  for  the  completion 
of  its  work  of  collection  and  settlement,  and  made  annual  reports.  Vol. 
VI,  pp.  93,  1884 ;  294,  1885  ;  495,  1886  ;  737,  1887  ;  Vol.  VII,  pp.  88, 
1888  ;  289,  1889  ;  429,  492,  1890.] 

[The  final  report  gives  the  following  summary  :] 

The  total  amounts  received  by  the  Boards,  Institutions,  etc.,  from  the 
Quarter-Centennial  Commission  in  cash,  notes  and  property,  or  paid  to 
them  direct  by  the  donors,  and  receipts  sent  to  the  Quarter-Centennial 
Commission,  are  as  follows  : 

Board  of  Foreign  Missions $71  760  00 

Board  of  Home  Missions 21,594  08 

Board  of  Freedmen's  Missions 14,352  00 

Board  of  Cliurch  Extension 50  232  00 

Ministerial  Relief 14,352  00 

Allegheny  Seminary 32|292  00 


254  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Xenia  Seminary $32,292  00 

Westminster  College 43,056  00 

Muskingum  College 28,704  00 

Monmouth  College 43,056  00 

Knoxville  College 10,764  00 

Orphans'  Home 9,714  80 

Lincoln  College 682  02 

Franklin  College 3,079  00 

Indian  School  at  Carlisle 16  00 

Assembly  Fund 1  00 

Cooper  Memorial  College 363  85 

Chartiers  Church,  McKee's  Rocks 200  00 

Mount  Washington  Mission 100  00 

Richmond  Congregation 250  00 

Portland  Mission 25  00 

Oakland  Chapel 182   50 

Board  of  Trustees  of  General  Assembly 3,000  00 


$380,068  25 


[Under  the  influence  of  the  Quarter-Centennial  movement  many  con- 
gregations were  enabled  to  pay  off  old  debts,  while  some  others  built 
churches  and  parsonages.  So  far  as  ascertained,  the  amount  so  raised 
was  $329,490,  as  a  part  of  the  memorial  movement,  making  the  total 
sum  raised  by  the  commission  director  under  its  influence,  $709,558.25. 
The  auditing  committee  submitted  the  following  report :] 

We,  the  undersigned,  appointed  to  audit  the  accounts  of  James  J. 
Porter,  Treasurer  of  the  Quarter-Centennial  Commission,  do  certify 
that  we  have  examined  the  foregoing  statement  and  compared  the 
vouchers  for  the  disbursements,  and  do  find  it  to  be  correct.  We  find 
that  the  total  amount  collected  (in  cash  and  notes),  is  $380,068.25,  and 
that  the  expense  attending  the  entire  work  has  been  $1,873.66  (lessthan 
one-half  per  cent.),  and  that  the  Fund  has  been  so  capably  managed, 
that  the  interest  received  in  excess  of  that  paid  out,  is  $1,049.54,  which 
reduces  the  actual  expense  of  the  work  done  by  the  Commission  to 
$824.12,  or  less  than  one-fourth  per  cent,  on  the  sum  collected.  It  is 
worthy  of  note  that  in  the  entire  work  no  expense  has  been  incurred  by 
the  officers  of  the  Commission  for  traveling  expenses  or  clerical  work. 
Vol.  VII,  pp.  493,  494,  1890. 

[The  General  Assembly  adopted  the  following:] 

6th.  In  receiving  the  final  report  of  the  Quarter-Centennial  Commis- 
sion, properly  audited  and  certified,  we  recommend  its  approval,  and 
the  discharge  of  the  Commission  with  the  adoption  of  the  following  res- 
olutions : 

Resolved,  1.  That  great  gratitude  is  due  the  King  and  Head  of  the 
Church  for  inspiring  his  servants  to  conceive  the  movement ;  for  put- 
ting a  spirit  of  liberality  into  the  hearts  of  the  members  of  the  Church, 
whereby  they  were  led  to  contribute  to  this  fund  ;  for  the  increased  effi- 
ciency that  has  come  to  the  Boards  and  educational  institutions  of  the 
Chnrch  from  the  funds  thus  provided  ;  for  the  increased  liberality  of  the 
Church,  aroused  by  this  movement,  and  for  its  benign  influence  in  uni- 
fying and  centralizing  the  energies  of  the  Church  during  a  period  of 
serious  apprehension. 

2.  That  the  official  and  unofficial  membership  of  the  Church  be  com- 
mended for  the  generosity  and  hearty  co-operation  which  characterized 


REED    ESTATE.  255 

them  in  helping  forward  tlie  enterprise,  and  attention  be  called  to  what 
the  Church  can  accomplish  when  her  energies  are  aroused  and  properly 
directed. 

3.  That  this  Assembly  recognizes  the  great  burden  and  responsibility 
that  rested  upon  the  Commission,  and  that  it  hereby  expresses  its  deep 
thankfulness  to  all  the  members  for  their  fidelity,  and  for  their  unselfish 
expenditure  of  time,  and  means,  and  energies  in  the  successful  accom- 
plishment of  the  enterprise  committed  to  their  supervision. 

4.  That  inasmuch  as  the  Commission  suggests  the  appointment  of 
some  one  to  look  after  the  collection  of  subscriptions  not  yet  paid,  and 
other  business  that  may  arise  relative  to  this  matter  requiring  attention, 
that  Mr.  J.  J.  Porter  be  appointed  for  this  purpose.  Vol.  VII,  n.  429*, 
1890. 

A  Memorial  Service.— [On  the  recommendation  of  the  Quarter- 
Centennial  Commission,  the  General  Assembly  held  a  memorial  per- 
vice  in  the  Second  Church,  Allegheny,  Pa.,  on  the  twenty-fifth  anni- 
versary of  the  formation  of  the  United  Presbvterian  Church,  Saturday, 
May  26,  1883,  at  10  a.  m.     Vol.  V,  pp.  717,'  795,  1883.] 

XCVII.     "QUOTA." 

Definition  of  "  The  Quota.  "—In  reply  to  the  memorial  of  certain 
brethren  asking  a  definition  of  the  term  "quota,"  as  applied  to  the  con- 
tributions of  the  congregations  to  the  Boards  of  the  Church,  your  com- 
mittee would  submit  the  following:  So  far  as  the  Assembly  is  concerned, 
the  term  is  not  employed.  Upon  the  representation  of  Boards,  the 
Assembly  from  year  to  year  makes  appropriations  for  the  work  of  the 
several  Boards.  The  sums  so  appropriated  divided  by  the  membership 
of  the  Church  give  the  average  required  of  each,  in  order  that  the 
amount  may  be  realized.  But  the  Assembly  has  never  proposed  to 
assess  either  the  individual  members  or  congregations.  All  are  to  give 
as  they  are  able — as  the  Lord  has  prospered  them.  In  reporting  the 
amounts  contributed,  the  congregations  are  instructed  to  include  all 
their  contributions  to  the  several  Boards,  irrespective  of  the  agency  by 
•which  they  are  gathered  and  the  channel  through  which  they  are  trans- 
mitted. If  then  the  "quota"  is  to  be  recognized  by  the  Assembly,  it  is 
the  judgment  of  your  committee  that  all  moneys  reaching  the  Boards, 
through  whatever  channel  transmitted,  are  to  be  reckoned  as  part  of 
said  quota.     Vol.  VII,  p.  646,  1891. 

XCVIII.     REED  ESTATE. 

The  undersigned  would  respectfully  represent  that  the'  late  William 
Eeed,  of  Sewickley,  Pa.,  in  his  will  appointed  Revs.  D.  S.  Kennedy 
and  Samuel  Collins,  and  Mr.  James  R.  Reed,  trustees  and  executors, 
"with  power  to  perpetuate  their  succession,"  and  to  employ  a  secretary 
and  counsel.  As  neither  Mr.  Kennedy  nor  Mr.  Reed  could  serve, 
Messrs.  Wm.  P.  Murray  and  F.  C.  Osburn  were  appointed  and  duly 
qualified  in  their  places. 

The  will,  after  directing  the  sale  of  all  the  property 'and  the  payment 
of  all  debts  and  sundry  personal  bequests,  provides,  "jThat  all  the  bal- 
ance be  appropriated  as  follows:  The  principal  to  be  'invested  in  some 


256  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OP    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

good  and  secure  bonds,  the  interest  to  be  divided  yearly  for  thirty 
years,  one-third  to  assist  pious,  indigent  young  naen  to  get  an  education 
to  fit  them  for  the  office  of  ministers  of  the  gospel  in  this  country ;  one- 
third  to  go  to  assist  weak  and  struggling  congregations  to  build  houses 
of  worship,  to  be  given  as  a  loan  from  three  to  ten  years,  without  in- 
terest, said  loans  to  be  made  through  the  Board  of  Church  Extension 
of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America;  and  the  remain- 
ing third  to  be  paid  to  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  to  be  applied  to 
the  education  ot  young  men  in  foreign  fields  preparing  for  the  ministry 
of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  if  such  tliere  are,  needing  assistance  among 
the  natives  attached  to  the  Foreign  Missions  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Churcli  of  North  America."  "After  the  thirty  years  before  mentioned 
have  expired,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church 
may  continue  the  distribution  of  the  funds  and  interest  for  twenty  years 
longer  if,  in  their  judgment,  they  will  in  that  way  be  most  beneficial  to 
the  cause  of  religion ;  or  they  may  alter  the  proportion  to  the  objects 
mentioned ;  or  may  apply  it  all  to  the  home  field  or  the  foreign  field ; 
but  in  no  case  shall  any  of  this  fund  be  applied  to  support  colleges,  or 
confer  a  secular  education,  or  to  pay  any  part  of  ministers'  salaries, 
either  for  teaching  or  preaching,  except  in  the  case  of  foreign  missions, 
for  a  short  time,  in  case  of  an  emergency." 

"After  fifty  years  have  expired  the  said  General  Assembly  may  ap- 
propriate the  whole  fund,  then  on  hand,  for  the  support  of  students 
studying  at  the  different  theological  seminaries  under  their  charge  in 
this  and  foreign  lands,  so  as  to  assist  them  according  to  their  financial 
needs  and  abilities  in  all  future  time,  so  long  as  this  fund  shall  last." 

"The  acts  of  the  trustees,  heretofore  appointed,  shall  be  subject  to  the 
supervision  of  said  General  Assembly,  to  whom  they  shall  report  once 
in  each  year;  and  in  the  event  of  a  majority  of  the  trustees  resigning  or 
dying  without  electing  their  successors,  the  General  Assembly  at  its 
next  meeting,  shall  fill  such  vacancy;  and  in  the  event  of  said  trustees 
not  reporting  to  said  General  Assembly,  said  Assembly  shall  appoint  a 
commission  to  examine  the  accounts  of  said  trustees,  and  if  anytiiing  is 
found  wrong  in  their  transactions  shall  take  charge  of  the  funds  and 
papers  until  the  next  General  Assembly,  who  shall  declare  the  trustees' 
office  vacant  and  elect  others  to  fill  the  vacant  place  or  places." 

In  accordance  with  the  requirement  in  the  foregoing  extracts  we 
would  respectfully  report  to  this  General  Assembly  that  the  estate  of 
Mr.  Reed,  which  at  the  date  of  the  will,  January  8,  1875,  was  quite 
large,  had  at  his  death,  October,  1887,  by  heavy  losses  and  unproduc- 
tive investments,  been  greatly  reduced.  It  consisted  largely  of  wild 
lands  in  West  Virginia  and  Missouri.  These  were  covered  with  tax 
titles  and  other  claims,  requiring  large  sums  and  prompt  action  to  save 
them  from  entire  forfeiture.  By  selling  certain  tracts,  for  there  was  no 
cash,  no  stocks  or  bonds  of  any  value  belonging  to  the  estate,  money 
was  raised  to  pay  all  known  debts.  Until  within  a  few  months  it  was 
not  supposed  that,  after  paying  the  debts  and  personal  bequests,  there 
would  be  any  "residue"  for  the  Church  funds  named.  But  the  death 
of  Mrs.  Reed  in  January  last,  releasing  some  $30,000,  and  a  greater 
demand  for  the  wild  lands,  render  it  probable  there  will  be  a  balance  of 
thirty  to  fifty  thousand  dollars  for  these  funds.  Hence  the  occasion  for 
this  report. 


REFORMED    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH.  257 

To  perhaps  400,000  acres  of  wild  lands  in  West  Virginia  and  Ken- 
tucky, costing  large  sums  of  money,  the  title  is  very  doubtful.  Some 
have  been  sold  for  taxes;  steps  have  been  taken  to  clear  up  these  titles. 
To  other  tracts  the  titles  are  undisputed,  and  negotiations  are  on  foot 
for  their  sale.  It  is  hoped  we  will  be  able  to  report  decided  progress 
next  year.     Vol.  VII,  p.  512,  1890. 

FThe  Trustees  reported  to  the  General  Assemblv.  Vol.  VII,  p. 
739,  1891.] 

XCIX.     READING  SERMONS. 

Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  expresses  its  decided  disapprobation  of 
this  practice.     Vol.  II,  p.  309,  186G. 

C.     REFORM  MOVEMENTS. 

Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  hereby  is  earnestly  urged  upon  the  minis- 
ters and  members  of  our  Church  to  co-operate,  as  God  in  his  providence 
and  by  his  Spirit  may  call,  witli  our  fellow  Christians  of  otiier  branches 
of  the  Churcli,  in  those  measures  of  reform  which  seek  to  destroy  the 
kingdom  of  Satan  and  establish  the  kingdom  of  Christ.  Vol.  VII,  pp. 
227,  295,  1889. 

CI.     REFORMED  PRESBYTERIAN   CHURCH, 

[General  Synod.] 

Union  with  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Chvoccla..— Resolved, 

That  tiie  committee  on  correspondence  be  instructed  to  inform  the  Gen- 
<^ral  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  to  meet  in  Philadel- 
phia on  the  25tii  instant,  of  tlie  receipt  of  tiieir  communications  to  the 
General  Synod  of  tlie  Associate  Reformed  Church,  and  the  Synod  of 
the  Associate  Church,  referred  to  this  Assembly  by  those  bodies;  to 
transmit  to  them  a  copy  of  the  basis  of  union,  and  the  action  had  upon 
it;  and  to  invite  them  to  take  similar  action,  with  a  view  to  their  be- 
coming a  part  of  tiie  United  Presbvterian  Church.  Vol.  I,  p.  30, 
1859. 

Gratefully  acknowledging  the  goodness  of  the  Head  of  the  Church,  in 
crowning  our  past  efforts  to  promote  union  among  those  of  "  like  precious 
faith"  with  such  signal  success,  we  would  be  encouraged  to  still  iurther 
labors  in  the  same  great  cause;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  correspondence  be  directed  to  ad- 
dress, on  tills  subject,  both  branches  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church  in  our  own  land.     Vol.  II,  ]>.  160,  1865. 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly  have  heard  with  no  ordinary  degree 
of  pleasure  the  unfeigned  desire  of  our  bretiiren  of  the  Reformed  Cliurch 
to  enter  into  an  organic  union  with  us,  that  we  sincerely  reciprocate  this 
desirt,  and  most  cordially  concur  in  the  sentiment  so  well  expressed  in 
the  letter  of  their  delegate,  "that  those  who  have  the  least  to  separate 
them  ouglit  first  to  come  together." 

2.  That  a  committee  be  now  appointed  by  this  Assembly  to  confer 
with  the  committee  which  has  already  been  appointed  by  them  with  re- 
gard to  this  desired  union.     Vol.  II,  p.  319,  1866. 
17 


258  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  hail  with  much  pleasure  the  proposal  of  the  Gen- 
eral Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  to  appoint  committees 
to  meet  and  confer  together,  with  a  view  to  effect  a  union  between  the 
two  churches. 

2.  That  *  *  *  be  appointed  a  committee  to  meet  with  a  similar 
committee  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Churcii.  and  that  a  meeting 
be  held  on  the  thirtieth  day  of  June  next,  in  the  First  United  Presby- 
terian Church,  Pittsburgh.     Vol.  II,  p.  510,  1868. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly  a  proposed  basis^ 
which  had  been  under  discussion  by  the  joint  committee,  Vol.  Ill,  p. 
12,  18G9,  when  the  following  action  was  taken:] 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  be  re-a])pointed  to  prosecute  the  work 
in  which  they  have  been  engaged,  should  the  Reformed  Presbyterian 
Church  see  lit  to  continue  the  negotiation.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  12,  1869. 

[This  committee  reported  the  following  basis,  which  was  approved  by 
the  Assembly :] 

Whereas,  An  organic  union  between  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  and  the  General  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Churcli  is  most  desirable  and  of  the  utmost  importance  to 
the  maintenance  and  more  general  diffusion  of  the  principles  which  they 
hold  in  common  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  1.  That  these  churches  agree  to  form  an  organic  union  on 
the  basis  of  the  ])riiiciples  embraced  in  common  in  their  respective 
Testimonies,  and  tiie  other  subordinate  standards. 

2.  That  th"se  cliurches,  when  united,  shall  be  called  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  consisting  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church 
and  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  that  the  Supreme  Judicatory 
of  the  United  Churcii  shall  be  called  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  jSorth  America. 

3.  That  the  different  Boards  and  institutions  of  the  respective 
churches  shall  not  be  affected  by  this  union,  but  shall  have  the  control 
of  their  funds,  and  retain  all  their  corporate  or  other  riglits  and  privi- 
leges, until  the  interests  of  the  church  shall  require  a  change.  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  131,  1870. 

CIl.      REFORMED    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH.  [SYNOD.] 
1.  Union  with  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  (Synod.) — 

[A  memorial  was  presented,  asking  the  General  Assembly  to  open  nego- 
tiations with  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  with  a  view  to  union. 
The  Assembly  adopted  the  following:] 

Resolved,  1.  That  a  committee  of  six  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly, 
to  meet  with  a  similar  committee  to  be  appointed  by  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Synod  at  Newburg,  if  it  should  see  proper  to  do  so,  to 
meet  at  such  time  and  place  as  mutually  agreed  upon,  to  confer  in  re- 
gard to  the  subject  of  union  of  these  two  churches,  and  report  the  re- 
sult of  their  deliberations  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Vol.  VI,  p. 
683,  1887. 

[The  Committee  reported:] 

The  Committees  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United 
Presbyterian    Church   and   the    Synod   of  the    Reformed    Presbyterian 


REFORMED    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH.  25D 

Church,  after  full  and  frank  conference,  have  agreed  upon  the  following 
statement : 

1.  That  the  Churches  which  they  represent,  as  they  most  firmly  be- 
lieve, harmonize  in  the  maintenance  of  the  doctrine  embodied  in  the 
testimony  of  each  Church,  that  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  Mediator,  is 
vested  with  authority  over  all  creatures,  and  that  his  revealed  will  is 
supreme  and  ultimate  law  for  nations,  as  well  as  for  the  Church  and 
individuals  ;  and  tliat  it  is  the  duty  of  nations  to  acknowledge  their  re- 
lation of  subjection  to  the  Prince  of  the  kings  of  the  earth,  and  his 
authoritative  law. 

II.  The  Committees  recognize  the  fact  that  the  Churches  which  they 
respectivelv  represent  are  not  in  harmony  in  the  application  of  the 
above  doctrine  of  Christ's  dominion  over  the  State. 

The  United  Presbyterian  Church,  on  the  one  hand,  leaves  it  with  the 
individual  conscience  to  decide  wliether  the  nation  does,  or  does  not,  so 
far  comply  with  the  requirements  of  the  word  of  God  as  to  permit  the 
followers  of  Christ  consistently  to  take  part  in  the  administration  of  the 
government  under  the  compact  of  the  written  Constitution  of  the  United 
States. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church  regards  this 
written  Constitution  as  an  agreement  from  which  all  appeal  to  the 
authority  of  Christ  and  his  law  in  national  affairs  has  been  excluded, 
and  as  an  agreement  to  administer  the  government  without  an  appeal  to 
the  law  of  Christ  as  being  over  the  Constitution  and  the  nation  itself, 
and  on  this  ground  requires  her  members  not  to  become  parties  by  any 
act  to  what  she  believes  to  be  an  immoral  compact. 

Holding,  as  these  Churches  do,  to  these  diverging  views  in  the  prac- 
tical application  of  accepted  truth,  it  is  the  judgment  of  the  Committee 
that  the  way  to  organic  unity  is  is  not  yet  open. 

III.  Holding  to  the  same  great  principles  of  truth,  and  diftering  only 
in  their  application,  the  joint  Committees  express  the  hope  that  the 
closer  brotherly  co-operation  in  the  Master's  work  at  large,  and  the 
more  earnest  and  united  labors  of  the  two  churches  for  the  ascendency 
of  the  principles  of  Christian  government,  will  at  length  remove  what 
at  present  seems  to  be  the  great  barrier  in  the  way  of  organic  union. 

The  following  resolution  was  then  passed: 

Resolved.  That  while  we  have  not  been  able  to  formulate  a  basis  of 
agreement  to  be  submitted  to  our  respective  Churches,  we  are  assured 
that  this  fraternal  conference  has  been  mutually  helpful,  and  that  it  will 
tend  toward  ultimate  union  by  discovering  to  us  more  clearly  how  fully 
■we  are  in  accord  in  great  fundamental  principles,  and  the  precise  point 
at  which  we  diverge  in  the  application  of  these  principles.  Vol.  VII, 
p.  92,  1888.  [The  report  was  approved  and  the  Committee  discharged, 
p.  34.  1888.] 

2.  Delegate  to  the  S3mod  of   the  Reformed   Presbyterian 

Church. — Resolved,  2.  That  a  delegate  be  now  ap[)ointed  to  proceed 
forthwith,  as  soon  as  the  Assembly  adjourns,  to 'the  meeting  of  that 
Synod,  and  carry  our  fraternal  greetings  and  submit  this  action  [with 
reference  to  union]  to  that  body.     Vol.  VII,  p.  683,  1887. 


260  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

cm.     REFORMED  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCHES. 

Union  with  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Churches.— [A  me- 
morial was  presented  from  a  Union  Convention  held  in  Pittsburg,  Pa., 
asking  for  steps  towards  a  union  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Churches. 
The  Assembly] 

Mesolved,  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  as  delegates  by  this 
Assembly  to  meet  in  joint  council  or  convention  with  delegates  from  the 
above  named  churches,  or  either  of  them,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a 
basis  of  union.     Vol.  VII,  p.  434,  1890. 

[The  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Cliurch  refused  to  appoint 
a.  committee,  and  no  further  steps  were  taken.] 

CIV.     REPORT  OF  PRESBYTERIES. 

1.  Reports  of  Presbyteries  to  be  Omitted  from  the  Printed 

IVEinuteS. — The  committee  on  the  ])ublication  of  the  minutes  was 
ordered  by  the  General  Assembly  to  omit  the  reports  of  Presbyteries 
from  the  printed  minutes.      Vol.  II,  p.  3'21,  18G6. 

2.  Blanks  to  be  Furnished  Presbyteries  for  their  Annual  Re- 
ports.— The  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  was  directed  to  prepare  a  printed 
blank  "formula  of  report  on  narrative  and  state  of  religion,"  and  send 
two  copies  to  tlie  clerk  of  each  Presbytery,  one  to  be  filled  and  returned 
to  the  Assembly.     Vol.  II.  p.  .504,  1868. 

The  permanent  commit  tee  on  Narrative  and  State  of  Religion  was 
instructed  to  prepare  and  distribute  tlirough  the  Second  Clerk  of  the 
Assembly,  blanks  for  congregational  and  Presbyterial  reports.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  15,  1874. 

The  permanent  committee  on  Narrative  and  State  of  Religion  was 
directed  to  prepare  an  outline  for  a  report,  specifying  the  general 
objects  on  which  information  is  desired,  selecting  only  such  as  will  show 
the  spiritual  condition  of  the  Church,  the  general  drift  of  religious  senti- 
ment, and  the  friendly  or  opposing  influences,  to  be  sent  to  each  Pres- 
bytery, a  conference  to  be  held  on  the  subject,  and  a  narrative  prepared 
.and  sent  to  the  committee.  Vol.  V,  p.  241,  1880.  [Each  Permanent 
•Committee  prepares  the  blank  according  to  its  own  judgment,  and 
■sends  the  copies  direct  to  the  Presbyteries.] 

3.  Time  of  Forwarding  Reports  of  Presbyteries.— ^esofoerf,  2. 

That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Presbyteries  to  forward  to  the  chairman 
-of  the  committee  [on  Narrative  and  State  of  Religion]  their  reports  on 
the  state  of  religion  in  the  Churches  under  their  care,  not  later  than 
the  first  day  of  May,  each  year.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  518,  1873. 

[This  date  was  ohanged  to  "  not  later  than  the  20th  of  April."  Vol. 
IV,  p.  16,  1874. 

CV.     ROMANISM. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  Assembly  admonish  our  people  of  the  actual 
danger  from  this  source,  and  advise  tliem  to  use  all  legal  and  honorable 
means  to  prevent  the  perversion  of  school  funds  for  the  use  of  any 
xjhurch  or  sect. 

2.  That  our  Board  of  Publication  be  instructed  to  keep  for  sale  and 


RUI-ES    OF    ORDER,  2G1 

advertise  such  books  as  expose  the  character  and    tendency  of  Roman- 
ism.    Vol.  IV,  p.  187,  1875. 

CVI.     ROSEBERG'S  APPEAL. 

In  the  case  of  protest  and  appeal  by  Rev.  Geo.  A.  Roseberg  against 
the  decision  of  the  Commission  of  the  First  Synod  of  tlie  West  in  the 
Youngstown  case,  your  committee  would  submit  the  following  report  : 
We  have  examined  the  papers  in  tiiis  case  and  find  that,  as  in  the  case 
of  complaint  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Logue  and  others,  already  decided  by  this 
Assembly,  this  appeal  is  premature,  and  therefore  irregular  luiving 
been  taken  before  the  decisions  of  the  Commission  were  recorded,  by 
the  Synod  appointing  it.  AVe,  therefore,  recommend  that  the  appeal  be 
respectfully  returned.     Vol.  VI,  p.  422,  1886. 

CVII.     RULES  OF  ORDER. 
[Rules  of  Order  were  adopted,  Vol.  I,  p.  99,  1860  ;  amended.  Vol.  I, 
p.  120,    1860  ;    amended  and   printed.  Vol.   I,   p.    440,    1862.     These 
Rules  of  Order  were  superseded  by  those  now  in  use.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  117, 
1870.     For  Rules  of  Order  see  Digest,  p.  72.] 

Rules  of  Order  Amended.— i?eWverf,  That  hereafter  there  be 
added  to  the  Standing  Committees  of  the  Assembly,  a  committee  on 
^Nominations,  which  shall  nominate  to  the  Assembly  persons  to  fill  the 
vacancies  occurring  in  all  the  Boards  each  year.  Vol.  IV,  p.  172,  1875. 
[The  time  for  the  appointment  of  the  Committee  on  Narrative  and 
State  of  Religion  was  changed  so  that  it  "  shall  be  appointed  before  each 
Assembly  rises,  that  it  might  report  to  the  next  Assembly."  Vol.  Ill,  p. 
158,  1870.  This  action  was  rescinded  and  the  following  was  adopted  :] 
Resolved,  3.  That  the  rule  defining  the  duties  of  th'e  Committee  oa 
Narrative  and  State  of  Religion  be  so  amended  as  to  require  said  Com- 
mittee to  report  to  the  General  Assembly  following  its  appointment ;  and 
in  order  that  this  report  may  be  made  more  intelligently,  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  Presbyteries  to  forward  to  the  chairman  of  said  com- 
mittee their  reports  on  the  state  of  religion  in  the  churches  under  their 
care.  \ol.  Ill,  p.  518,  1873.  [It  is,  however,  the  custom  to  appoint 
two  committees  on  Narrative  and  State  of  Religion,  each  year;  one  a 
standing  committee,  to  report  to  the  Assembly  by  which  it  was 
appointed  :  the  other  a  permanent  committee,  to  report  to  the  Assembly 
following  its  appointment.] 

Resolved,  5.  That  the  following  be  adopted  as  a  standing  Rule  :  All 
resolutions  offered  in  the  General  Assembly,  and  all  propositions  com- 
ing from  others  than  Boards  and  Stauding  Committees  appropriating 
money,  shall  first  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Finance,  to  be  ex*^ 
amined,  and  their  judgment  reported  before  final  action.  Vol.  V,  d 
358,  1881.  ^ 

Resolved,  3.  That  there  be  added  to  the  standing  committees  of  the 
Assembly  a  Committee  on  Appropriations,  consisting  of  one  member 
from  each  of  the  Committees  on  tiie  Boards,  and  one  member  from  the 
Committee  on  Finance,  to  which  shall  be  referred  all  the  estimates  of  the 
Boards,  and  all  other  claims  for  money  to  support  the  general  work  of 
the  Church,  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  report  the  appropriations  for 


262  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

the  general  work  as  entrusted  to  the  Boards  or  to  special  agencies,  and 
to  recommend  proper  measures  to  secure  liberal  and  systematic  contri- 
butions to  the  funds  and  institutions  of  the  Church.  Vol.  VII,  p.  33, 
1888. 

CVIII.     RULING  ELDERS. 

1.  The  Term  of  OflBce  of  the  Ruling-  Elder. — [A  memorial  from 

the  Presbytery  of  Cleveland,  in  relation  to  the  election  of  elders  for  a 
limited  term,  was  referred  to  the  Judiciary  Committee.  This  committee 
j)rese)ited  a  report,  which  was  adopted.  For  Resolutions  1,  2,  and  3, 
see  next  section.] 

Resolved,  4.  That  it  is  tiie  duty  of  the  Presbyteries  to  use  all  proper 
means  to  bring  up  tiie  eldership  of  the  church  to  tiiat  standard  of  effici- 
ency in  tlieir  work,  so  imperatively  demanded  in  the  position  which  they 
are  called  to  occupy. 

5.  That  the  Assenil)ly  enjoins  Sessions  and  congregations  to  abide  by 
the  law  of  the  church  in  tlie  election  of  elders. 

G.  Tiiat  we  heartily  rejoice  in  the  evidences,  on  the  part  of  the  elder- 
ship of  the  church,  of  their  increasing  devotion  to  the  work.  Vol.  Ill, 
p.  286,  1871. 

The  memorialists  ask  the  Assembly  to  order  and  ordain  that  congre- 
gations may,  at  their  own  option,  elect  elders  for  a  term  of  three  or  more 
years.  This  the  Assembly  has  no  right  to  do,  without  first  securing  an 
alteration  of  our  Book  of  Government  and  Discipline.  As  it  does  not 
ap|)ear  that  any  large  number  or  our  ministers  and  people  desire  such 
alteration,  it  does  not  seem  expedient  to  overture  the  matter  to  the 
Prt^sbyteries. 

liesides,  the  question  of  electing  elders  for  a  limited  term  of  service, 
and  the  mode  in  which  unacceptable  and  inefficient  elders  may  be  retired 
from  office,  were  acted  on  by  the  Assembly  of  1871,  and  a  distinct  de- 
li vtM-ance  given. 

We  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  memorialists  be  not  granted,  and 
that  they  be  referred  to  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of  1871,  in  regard 
to  tiie  election  of  ruling  elders  and  their  removal  from  office.  Vol.  V, 
p.  :)!.'),  1882. 

•_>.  Resignation  of  a  Ruling  Elder. — Resolved,  l.  That  an  elder 
may  resign  his  charfje  in  a  particular  congregation,  tiie  same  as  a  pastor, 
and  that  when  he  ceases  to  exercise  his  office  in  the  congregation  in 
■which  he  is  installed,  it  is  his  duty  to  resign  ;  and  that  he  is  not  regu- 
larly released  from  his  obligations  in  that  congregation  till  his  resignation 
be  accepted  by  the  Session. 

2.  That  it  is  the  imperative  duty  of  the  elder  to  resign  whenever  his 
influence  is  so  impaired  from  any  cause,  that  he  cannot  exercise  his  office 
efficiently  in  the  congregation  in  which  he  is  installed. 

3.  That  when  it  is  evident  tliat  an  elder  has  become  generally  inac- 
ceptable  and  inefficient  in  a  congregation,  it  is  the  privilege  of  that  con- 
gregation to  ask  him  to  resign;  and  if  the  end  be  not  thereby  accom- 
plished, the  congregation,  in  conjunction  with  the  Session,  may  lay  the 
matter  before  the  Presbytery  for  their  action.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  286,  1871. 
[See  also  Sec.  1,  above.] 


RUI-IXG    ELDERS.  263 

Tlie  question  submitted  in  the  memorial  from  tlie  Presbytery  of 
Albany  on  the  resignation  of  eldf^rs  and  deacons,  is  as  follows: 

"To  whom  shall  the  ruling  elder  or  deacon  offer  his  resignation  when 
desiring  to  retire  from  active  service  ;  and  wliat  constitutional  ste{)S  are 
necessary  to  complete  tlie  act?" 

Resolved,  1.  He  shall  offer  his  resignation  to  the  session,  which  is  the 
primary  court  of  the  elder  or  deacon. 

2.  The  same  steps  are  to  be  taken  as  in  the  case  of  the  teachinir  elder. 
Book  of  Government,  Part  II,  Chap.  VI.,  Art.  IV.  Vol.  V.  p.  720, 
1883. 

3.  The  Resi^ation  of  an  Elder  Void  when  Improperly  Re- 
quired by  Presbytery. — Under  the  order  of  Presbytery  an  elder 
oti'ei-ed  his  resignation  and  it  was  accepted  by  the  session.  An  'ap- 
pe:tl  from  the  action  of  tlie  Presbytery,  taken  by  otners,  was  su-<tained 
by  ihe  Synod.  The  question  being  raised  as  to  the  elder's  position  in 
tiie  congregation,  the  Presbytery  declared  that  he  was  still  a  member  of 
the  session.      See  Dawson's  A|)peal,  No.  1. 

4.  A  Presbytery  May  Release  an  Elder  without  Petition. — 

The  Presbytery  of  Allegheny  askeii  the  Assembly  to  give  a  judicial  de- 
cision as  to  the  method  by  which  the  relation  between  an  elder  and  the 
congregation  in  which  he  is  installed  may  be  dissolved,  when  his  useful- 
ness is  impaired  in  some  way  which  does  not  affect  his  Christian  char- 
acter and  standing  in  the  Church. 

In  answer  to  this  the  Assembly  quoted  the  action  of  the  Assembly  of 
1871.  [See  Sec.  1,  above,  Resolutions  1,  2  and  3.  and  added  the  fol- 
lowing :]     Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  in  addition  to  the  above,  in  reference  to  the  power  of 
the  Presbytery  to  release  an  elder  when  there  is  no  petition  from  either 
congregation  or  Session,  the  Assembly  declares  that  the  Presbytery,  in 
the  exercise  of  its  power  "  to  order  whatever  pertains  to  the  spiritual 
welfare  and  prosperity  of  the  churches  under  its  care,"  after  careful 
inipary  as  to  the  facts  of  the  case,  may  release  an  elder  when  there  is  no 
such  |)etition,  if  it  deems  such  action  to  be  necessary  to  the  spiritual 
welfare  of  the  congregation.    Vol.  VII,  p.  232,  1889. 

.").  That  Presbyteries  be  earnestly  requested  to  guard  against  any 
undue  haste  in  the  organization  of  new  congregations,  and  to  exercise 
a  more  watchful  care  over  the  churches,  and  pi'omptly  remove  minis- 
ters and  elders  when  it  is  known  that  congregations  are  declining  be- 
cause of  their  inefficiency.    Vol.  VII,  p.  640,  1891. 

•"'.  The  Training  of  Ruling  Elders. — [The  Synod  of  New  York 

presented  a  memorial  on  the  training  of  ruling  ciders.  The  Assembly 
Adopted  the  following:] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  proper  professors  in  our  Theological  wSeminaries 
be  requested  to  give  due  attention  to  the  instruction  of  students  in 
the  nature,  duties  and  responsibilities  of  the  office  of  the  ruling  elder. 

2.  That  we  recommend  each  pastor  to  adopt  some  plan  of  systematic 
instruction,  by  which  his  session  may  be  trained  to  the  highest  possible 
efficiency  in  their  duties. 

3.  That  we  recommend  the  Faculties  of  our  Seminaries  to  appoint 
■one  or  more  of  their  number  to  prepare  and  put  into  the  hands  of  the 
Board  of  Publication  a  manual  on  tiie  eldership,  suitable  to  be  used  by 
pastors  in  the  instruction  of  their  sessions.     Vol.  V,  p.  20,  1879. 


264  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

5.  That  Presbyteries  are  cautioned  against  the  hasty  organization  of 
congregations  until  persons  qualified  for  the  eldership  may  be  found  in 
the  congregations.     Vol.  VII,  p.  259,  1889. 

6.  Ruling  Elders  do  Not  Lay  on  Hands  in  Ordination  of  Min- 
isters.— See  Ordination  of  Ministers. 

7.  Church  Property  to  be  Under  the  Control  of  the  Session 

for  Public  Worship. — Resolved,  3.  That  the  General  Assembly,  in 
accordance  with  the  decision  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
States,  in  the  case  of  Watson  vs.  Jenner,  instruct  Presbyteries  and 
congregations  that  the  control  and  possession  of  church  projierty 
belongs  only  to  the  members  holding  to  the  principles  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  that  it  will  require  a  unanimous  vote  of  the 
Session  and  congregation  to  sell,  dispose  of,  or  alienate  said  church 
property ;  it  being  understood  that  this  action  does  not  prevent  congre- 
gations from  disposing  of  church  property  for  the  purpose  of  rebuilding, 
or  the  erection  of  a  new  building  in  a  new  location. 

4.  That  in  every  church,  the  trustees  shall  be  in  full  communion  with 
the  church,  and  that  the  use  of  the  church  building,  for  public  worship 
and  all  other  meetings,  shall  be  under  the  direction  and  control  of  the 
Session  of  the  church.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  523,  1873. 

CIX.     SABBATH. 

1.  The  Desecration  of  the  Sabbath. — Resolved,  i.  That  this 

Assembly  hereby  most  earnestly  warn  our  people  against  participating 
in,  or  giving  countenance  to,  the  desecration  of  the  holy  Sabbath. 

2.  That  this  Assembly  recommends  that  ministers  preacl)  frequently 
on  the  importance  of  the  proper  observance  of  God's  holy  day.  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  31,  1869. 

[A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  an  address  concerning  the 
violation  of  the  Sabbath  by  railroad  companies  in  ihe  running  of  trains, 
and  to  forward  a  copy  of  their  address  to  the  officers  of  the  railroad 
companies.  Vol.  IV,  p.  584,  1878.  This  committee  reported  that  the 
duty  assigned  had  been  performed,  and  on  its  recommendation,  the  As- 
sembly appointed  a  committee  to  co-operate  with  the  International 
Sabbath  Association  in  securing  the  better  observance  of  the  Sabbath, 
Vol.  V,  p.  21,  1879.  This  committee  reported,  and  the  Assembly 
adopted  the  following :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  in  the  signs  of  an  awakening  interest  and  zeal  on 
the  part  of  professing  Christians  in  behalf  of  the  sanctification  of  the 
Lord's  day,  the  Assembly  finds  reasons  for  encouragement,  and  for 
gratitude  to  tlie  Lord  of  the  Sabbath. 

2.  That  the  Assembly  hereby  exhorts  all  under  its  care  to  avoid  cur- 
rent modes  of  Sabbath  desecration,  such  as  worldly  conversation  ;  social 
visiting  ;  reading  of  secular  newspapers,  or  of  books  unsuitable  to  the 
sacredness  of  the  Sabbath  ;  levity  in  the  Sabbath-school ;  neglect  of 
public  worship  ;  unnecessary  travel ;  and  resorting  to  the  postoifice  ta 
obtain  or  deposit  mail  matter. 

3.  That  sessions  are  hereby  reminded  of  their  duty  to  exercise  disci- 
pline firmly,  yet  discreetly,  in  vindication  of  the  law  of  the  Sabbath, 
and  to  make  diligent  efforts  to  have  the  rising  generation  rightly  taught 


SABBATH.  265 

and  trained  in  reference  to  the  sacredness  of  tlie  Lord's  day.  Vol.  V 
p.  251,  1880. 

[The  General  Assembly  frave  order  for  pastors  to  preach  on  this  sub- 
ject, and  appointed  a  permanent  committee  to  co-operate  with  the 
International  Sabbath  Association,  and  to  report  such  measures  as  they 
may  deem  advisable  to  promote  scriptural  Sabbath  observance.  This 
committee  reported,  and  the  Assembly  adopted  the  following:] 

Resolved,  1.  That  in  view  of  the  prevalence  and  growth  of  Sabbath 
profanation,  the  friends  of  the  Sabbath  should  be  doubly  watchful  lest 
they  unconsciously  lose  the  sense  of  its  sacredness  ;  and  parents  should 
be  at  special  pains,  both  by  word  and  example  and  the  just  exercise  of 
parental  authority,  to  fortify  their  children  against  the  influences  which 
surround  them  adverse  to  the  Sabbath,  and  to  train  them  to  a  right 
observance  of  the  Lord's  day. 

2.  That  pastors  be  enjoined  to  instruct  their  flocks  diligently  in 
reference  to  the  duty,  the  nature  and  the  privilege  of  Sabbath  observ- 
ance, and  that  Presbyteries  be  recommended  not  to  overlook,  in  con- 
ferences which  they  may  hold,  the  importance  of  the  Sabbath  question. 

3.  That  while  the  Gospel  is  the  great  instrumentality  for  securing 
obedience  to  the  law  of  God  in  all  its  parts,  the  importance  of  civil 
legislation,  in  aflbrding  protection  against  certain  forms  of  immorality, 
is  not  to  be  denied  or  disregarded.      Vol.  V,  p.  419,  1881. 

Resolved,  1.  Tli:it  pastors  of  congregations,  and  supplies  in  vacant 
congregations,  be  enjoined  to  preach  on  this  subject  at  an  early  day. 

2.  That  Synods  and  Presbyteries  be  requested  to  hold  conferences  on 
this  subject,  and  take  such  action  as  may  be  thought  most  proper  to 
bring  this  matter  before  our  National  and  Slate  Legislatures,  and  the 
various  railroad  companies  in  their  respective  districts.  Vol.  VI,  p. 
423,  1886. 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  hereby  utter  our  earnest  protest  against  all 
desecration  of  tlie  Lord's  Day,  by  whomsoever  and  under  whatever 
pretext,  and  that  v.e  earnestly  urge  upon  our  people  the  duty  of  remem- 
bering the  Sabbath  day  to  keep  it  holy,  and  that  they  carefully  avoid 
giving  any  encouragement  to  those  who  profane  the  day. 

2.  That  pastors  be  directed  to  faithfully  and  frequently  instruct  their 
people  with  regard  to  tlie  nature,  design,  and  claims  of  the  Sabbath. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  675,  1887. 

3.  That  wliile  recognizing  the  valuable  aid  of  other  organizations,  we 
are  convinced  that  the  great  instrumentality  for  the  furtherance  of  Sab- 
bath reform  is  the  Churcli  of  Ciirist;  and,  therefore,  we  earnestly  urge 
that  pastors,  officers  and  members  see  to  it  that  judgment  begins  at  the 
house  of  God  ;  tlikt  first  tlirough  practice  and  then  through  precept  the 
Church  may  seek  the  preservation  of  the  Sabbath.  Vol.  VII,  p.  421, 
1890.  ^ 

8.  While  urging  measures  to  guard  the  outworks  of  the  defense  of  the 
Christian  Sabbatli,  we  confess  before  God  the  worldly-mindedness 
manifested  in  the  homes  of  many  professing  Christians  on  the  Sabbath 
day,  and  do  recommend  all  our  pastors,  on  or  about  the  first  Sabbath  of 
next  October,  to  preach  sermons  setting  forth  the  great  privilege  and 
duty  of  being  "  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  Day,"  and  warning  against 
such  things  as  interfere  with  its  being  to  all  our  people  a  day  of  spiritual 
uplifting.     Vol.  VII,  p.  639,  1891. 


2(36  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

2.  The  Opening  of  the  Centennial  Grounds  on  the  Sabbath. 

— Whereas,  The  Commissioners  of  the  Centennijil  Exposition  liave 
wisely  resolved  to  keep  the  Ex|)0?ition  grounds  closed  on  the  Lord's 
Day,  or  Christian  Sabbath  ;  and, 

Whereas,  A  determined  eflbrt  is  now  being  made  to  have  this  reso- 
lution reversed,  and  to  have  the  grounds  opened  to  visitors  on  the  Lord's 
Day  ;  and. 

Whereas,  there  is  special  reason,  at  this  time,  for  all  Christians  to 
unite  their  efforts  to  maintain  the  sanctity  of  the  Lord's  Day  ;  there- 
fore. 

Resolved,  That  this  General  Assembly,  representing  the  entire  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  protest  most  solemnly  against 
the  opening  of  the  Centeimial  grounds  on  the  Lord's  Day,  and  pledge 
ourselves  and  our  people  to  sustain  the  Commissioners  in  tlie  noble 
stand  rhey  have  taken  on  that  subject.     Vol.  IV,  p.  29.).  1876. 

o.  Closing  the  Philadelphia  Permanent  Exhibition  on  the 

Sabbath. — Resoh-ed,  Tliat  tliis  General  Assembly  iiereby  instruct  the 
moderator  and  clerk  to  convey  to  the  managers  the  thanks  of  this  As- 
semblv,  for  the  noble  stand  thev  have  taken  in  the  observance  of  the 
Lord's  Day.     Vol.  IV,  )>.  456.  1877. 

4.  The  Opening  of  the  Columbian  Exposition  on  the  Sabbath. 

Resolved,  3.  That  we  instruct  our  Moderator  and  Principal  Clerk  to 
petition  the  Directors  of  tlie  Columbian  Exposition,  m  the  name  of  the 
Genei-al  Assembly  and  of  tlie  entire  United  Presbyterian  Ciiurch,  to 
keep  all  the  partsof  said  Exposition  closed  on  tlie  Sabbath  Day,  that  we 
as  a  nation  may  not  be  guilty  of  such  transgressions  of  God's  holy  law 
as  woidd  necessarily  attend  their  being  opened,  and  tliat  we  may  not  set 
before  the  nations  of  the  world  an  example  of  base  ingratitude  in  return 
for  His  unspeakable  goodness  to  this  western  world. 

4.  We  urge  all  our  congregations,  which  iiave  not  already  done  so,  to 
send  letters  and  petitions  to  the  Directors  of  said  Exposition,  praying 
for  the  same  end. 

7.  That  the  Moderator  and  Clerk  of  the  Assembly  be  and  hereby  are 
directed  to  prepare  and  forward  a  petition  to  the  next  Congress  of  the 
United  States,  requesting  that  body,  in  the  name  of  the  Assembly  and 
of  the  whole  United  Presbyterian  Church,  to  enact  such  legislation  as 
will  prevent  the  opening  of  the  gates  of  the  Columbian  Exposition  on 
the  Sabbath  Day.     Vol.  VII,  p.  638,  1891. 

5.  Sabbath  Mails. — See  Sections  7  and  8,  below. 

Resolved,  2.  We  instruct  our  Moderator  and  Principal  Clerk  to  com- 
municate, in  the  name  of  the  General  Assembly  and  the  entire  United 
Presl)yterian  Church,  with  Postmaster  General  Wanamaker,  and  assure 
him  of  our  hearty  approval  of  the  steps  he  has  already  taken  in  reduc- 
ing the  amount  of  labor  in  the  United  States  postal  service  permitted, 
or  required,  on  the  Sabbath  day  ;  also  of  our  hearty  support  in  such 
additional  measures  in  the  same  direction  as  he  may  be  able  to  adopt. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  638,  1891. 

6.  Sabbath  Papers. — [The  proceedings  of  the  General  Assembly 
which  m'it  at  Topeka  were  reported  by  tiie  Daily  Capital.  When  it 
was  understood  that  there  would  be  a  Sabbath  issue  containing  the 
proceedings,  the  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  to  wait  on  the  pub- 


SABBATH.  267 

lishers  and  request  that  the  part  of  the  edition  for  tlie  use  of  the  mem- 
bers and  for  circulation  throujih  them  be  dated  on  either  Saturday  [on 
which  tlie  work  was  done]  or  Monday,  and  not  circulated  until  Monday. 
The  publishers  complied  with  the  request.     Vol.  VI,  p.  2.30.  188,5.] 

Inasmuch  as  the  circulation  and  readinjr  of  newspapers  issued  on  the 
Sabbath  day  are  alarmingly  on  the  increase,  this  Assembly  deems  it 
needful  to  utter  its  solemn  protest  against  such  invasion  of  the  day  of 
sacred  rest  under  any  pretext  whatever,  and  this  it  does,  not  so  much 
because  of  the  Sabbath  labor  involved  in  their  issue,  as  because  of  the 
wliolesale  desecration  of  the  Sabbath  involved  in  their  circulation  and 
general  perusal.     Vol.  VII,  p.  24,  1888. 

Resolved,  5.  We  renew  our  protest  against  the  "Sunday  paper"  as  a 
secuhirizing  and  demoralizing  agency  in  every  home  which  it  enters ; 
as  an  agency  also  which  employs  a  vast  amount  of  unnecessary  Sabbath 
labor,  and  especially  because  it  employs  a  vast  army  of  50,000  news- 
boys, training  tiiem  to  become  transgressors  of  law  and  to  disturb  the 
order  and  quiet  of  Christian  homes  and  worshipinor  assemblies.  Vol 
VII,  p.  638,  1891. 

7.  Co-operation  with  Other  Bodies  for  Sabbath  Observance. 

— [The  General  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  to  co-operate,  in  all 
proper  ways,  with  the  International  Sabbath  Association  in  securing  the 
better  observance  of  the  Sabbath.  Vol.  V,  p.  21,  1879.  The  Assembly 
following  appointed  a  committee  of  hve  to  co-operate  with  the  Associa- 
tion, especially  in  securing  the  abolition  of  the  international  postal  ser- 
vice. Vol.  V,  p.  251,  1880.  The  Southern  Presbyterian  General  As- 
sembly asked  co-operation  in  petitioning  for  the  abolition  of  Sabbath 
mails,  and  the  Assembly] 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  is  ready  to  co-operate  with  other 
churciies,  in  every  proper  way,  to  secure  the  enforcement  of  legislation 
for  tiie  protection  of  Christian  citizens  in  the  enjoyment  of  their  rights 
on  the  Lord's  day.  Vol.  V,  p.  536,  1882.  The  Assembly  resolved  to 
"take  measures  to  secure  the  co-operation  of  other  denominations  in  re- 
monstrating with  the  civil  authorities  against  the  transmission  of  the 
mails  on  the  Sabbath  and  other  forms  of  Sabbath  desecration."  Vol.  V, 
p.  798,  1883. 

The  Assembly  directed  "  the  Moderator  and  Principal  Clerk  to  ad- 
dress sister  churches,  in  the  nnme  of  tiie  Assembly,  so  as  to  secure  their 
co-operation  in  this  matter,"  and  appointed  "  a  permanent  committee  to 
take  tliis  matter  in  charge."     Vol.  VI,  p.  423,  1886. 

This  permanent  committee  was  directed  "to  co-operate  with  the  com- 
mittee on  Sabbath  observance  from  the  Presbyterian  Church  in  Canada, 
and  all  similar  committees  which  may  be  appointed  by  other  denomina- 
tions in  this  country  and  Canada."     Vol.  VI,  p.  675,' 1887. 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  will  join  with  our  brethren  of  the  Evangelical 
Churches  in  making  up  the  National  Sabbath  Committee.  Volfvil, 
p.  36,  1888.     [See  Sec.  9.  below.] 

8.  Petitions  Against  Sabbath  Desecration.— [Tiie  General  As- 
sembly expressed  itself  in  favor  of  petitioning  Congress  for  the  abolition 
of  the  international  Sabbath  postal  service,  approved  the  form  of  pe- 
tition prepared  by  the  International  Sabbath  Association,  and  directed 
the  Principal  Clerk   to  procure  a  sufficient  number  of  copies   to  supply 


268  DIGKST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

our  congrejrations,  and  distribute  them  through  the  Clerks  of  Presby- 
teries. Sessions  were  directed  to  see  that  these  petitions  were  signed 
and  duly  forwarded.     Vol.  V,  p.  419,  1881.] 

Resolved,  2.  That  pastors  and  sessions  be  urged  to  bring  this  subject 
frequently  before  their  congregations,  and  take  immediate  steps  to  cir- 
culate petitions  and  obtain  signatures  against  Sabbatli  mails,  and  for- 
ward the  same  to  the  proper  authorities-     Vol.  V,  p.  536,  1882. 

[The  Moderator  and  Principal  Clerk  were  directed  to  sign  a  petition 
to  Congress  for  the  suppression  of  Sabbath  trains,  mails  and  parades. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  236,  1885.] 

4.  That  the  Moderator  and  Clerk  be  directed  to  sign  in  behalf  of  the 
Assembly,  the  petition  requesting  Congress  to  pass  a  law  instructing  the 
Postmaster  General  to  make  no  futuie  contracts  which  shall  include  the 
carriage  of  the  mails  on  tlie  Lord's  Dny.      Vol.  VI,  p.  675,  1887. 

9.  The  National  Sabbath  Association — [The  General  Assembly 

received  a  communication  from  the  General  Conference  of  the  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  Church,  proposing  the  formation  of  a  National  Sabbath 
Committee,  on  the  basis  of  one  member  of  the  committee  for  every  one 
hundred  thousand,  or  major  portion  thereof,  in  the  membership  of  the 
denominations  taking  part.  The  General  Assembly,  ''heartily  ap- 
proving of  the  object  in  view,"  appointed  a  representative  to  the  com- 
mittee.    Vol.  VI i,  p.  35,  1888.] 

[The  representative  reported,  that  at  a  meetinjr  held  in  Washington, 
D.  C,  a  permanent  organization  had  been  formed  under  the  name  of 
"The  National  Sabbath  Association,"  and  that  the  Association  re- 
quested the  appointment  of  five  persons  to  represent  our  Church  in  its 
work.     The  Assembly  adopted  the  following  :] 

Resolved,  2.  That  we  hail  with  thankfullness  and  delight  the 
auspicious  beginning  of  this  good  work  of  restoring  the  Sabbath  to  its 
proper  place  in  the  affections  and  lives  of  the  people  of  our  land,  and 
will  hope  and  pray  that,  by  the  continued  efforts  of  this  Association  and 
the  co-operation  of  all  of  Christ's  followers  in  our  country,  the  time  may 
soon  come  when  the  rulers  and  people  of  this  great  nation  will  "  remem- 
ber the  Sabbath  day  and  keep  it  holy." 

3.  That  we  extend  our  heartfelt  congratulations  to  the  Sabbath  As- 
sociation over  the  good  they  have  already  accomplished,  and  express  our 
earnest  desire  and  hope  that  the  speedy  outcome  of  their  work  may  be 
equal  to  the  promise  of  the  beginning. 

4.  That  in  response  to  the  request  of  the  Association,  the  Committee 
on  Nominations  be  directed  to  present  the  names  of  five  persons  to  con- 
stitute a  committee  to  co-operate  with  the  Association  in  carrying  on  its 
good  work.     Vol.  VII,  pp.  226,  295,  1889. 

[The  National  Association  became  "  The  American  Sabbath  Union," 
and  was  represented  in  the  Assembly  by  a  delegate.] 

Resolved,  That  tl;is  General  Assembly  has  heard  with  great  interest 
the  address  and  appeal  of  the  Rev.  Talbot  AV.  Chambers,  D.  D.,  on  be- 
half of  the  American  Sabbath  Union,  and  most  earnestly  do  we  urge 
the  people  throughout  all  our  bounds  and  in  all  our  Churches  to  faith- 
fully hold  fast  to  the  Lord's  day  as  the  holy  Sabbath,  and  strive  to  keep 
it  in  all  its  letter  and  spirit.  Most  cordially  also  does  the  Assembly 
commend  the  above  society  to  the  confidence  of  our  people  in  its  efforts 
to  promote  the  sanctification  of  the  holy  day.      Vol.  VII,  p.  418,  1890. 


SABBATH    SCHOOLS.  269 

2.  That  we  hereby  express  our  gratitude  to  God,  whose  Spirit  is  evi- 
dently arousing  his  people  to  combine  for  the  preservation  of  the  Sab- 
bath;  also,  our  appreciation  of  the  work  of  the  American  Sabbath 
Union  and  like  organizations  in  the  several  States,  and  we  recommend 
that  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  represent  our  Church  in  this 
union  during  the  coming  year.     Vol.  VII,  p.  421,  1890. 

ex.     SABBATH  SCHOOLS. 

1.  Sabbath  School  Statistics — The  General  Assembly  directed 
the  Presbyteries  to  report  the  statistics  of  the  Sabbath-schools  in  their 
bounds,  and  gave  instructions  as  to  the  items  to  be  reported  and  the 
preparation  and  distribution  of  blanks.  Vol.  1,  ]>.  485,  1863.  The 
Clerk  of  the  Assembly  was  directed  to  prepare  blanks  for  these  statistics 
and  furnish  them  to  the  clerks  of  Presbyteries.     Vol.  II,  p.  34,  1864. 

Resolved,  7.  In  order  to  secure  more  prominent  attention  to  this  vast 
and  vital  interest  of  the  church,  your  committee  further  recommend,  if 
found  practicable,  that  the  statistical  tabular  sheet  be  so  altered  as  to 
devote  five  columns  to  the  Sabbath  school  instead  of  two,  these  columns 
to  be  filled  upas  follows:  1.  Number  of  schools.  2.  Number  of  officers 
and  teachers.  3.  Number  of  scholars.  4.  Number  of  books  in  library. 
5.  Amount  collected.  Vol.  II,  p.  500,  1869.  [It  was  not  found  prac- 
ticable to  report  the  number  of  books  in  the  library  satisfactorily.] 

•2.  In  order  that  a  full  and  satisfactory  report  may  be  made  to  each 
Assembly,  we  would  suggest  that  the  Assembly  authorize  the  perma- 
nent committee  to  procure  blanks  to  be  sent  to  all  pastors  and  superin- 
tendents, to  be  by  them  filled  and  returned  to  the  permanent  committee 
on  or  before  the  first  of  April  each  year.     Vol.  IV,  p.  355,  1876. 

1.  That  the  matter  of  gathering  statistics  of  Sabbath  school  work  be 
referred  to  the  Second  Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly.  Vol.  VI,  p. 
243,  1885.  ^ 

[A  column,  "months  open,"  was  inserted  in  the  table.  By  order  of 
the  Assembly  it  is  discontinued.     Vol.  VII,  p.  637,  1891.] 

2.  A  Standing-  Committee  on  Sabbath  ^ohools,.— Resolved,  That 

it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  moderator  of  the  General  Assembly  annually 
to  nominate  for  adoption  a  standing  committee  of  five  persons  on  the 
subject  of  Sabbath-schools.     Vol.  II,  p.  408,  1867. 

3.  A  Permanent  Committee  on  Sabbath  Schools  and  its 

Duties. — Resolved,  5.  That  a  standing  committee  of  five  members  be 
appointed,  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  146,  1870. 

Resolved,  That  a  permanent  committee  of  five  members  be  appointed 
*  *  *  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  collect  information  in  regard  to  the 
condition  of  Sabbath-schools  throughout  the  church.  This  committee 
shall  also  inaugurate  measures  for  the  advancement  of  the  interests  of 
this  work,  such  as  suggesting  to  Presbyteries  and  Synods  the  propriety 
of  holding  Sabbath-school  conventions,  at  which  the  claims  of  the  object 
shall  be  presented  and  discussed;  and  to  this  committee  all  correspond- 
ence in  relation  to  this  cause  by  those  engaged,  or  in  any  way  interested 
therein,  shall  be  addressed,  said  committee  to  report  to  the  Assembly  of 
1872.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  285,  1871. 

Resolved,  5.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  permanent  committee  on 


270  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Sabbath-schools  to  prepare  or  procure  the  preparation  of  suitable  notes 
for  the  teachers  and  lesson  papers  for  tlie  scholars,  and  that  they  be  di- 
rected to  publish  them  in  such  periodical  or  periodicals  of  the  church  as 
may  be  willing  to  admit  them,  or  as  the  committee  may  deem  best 
adapted  to  the  purpose.     Vol.  IV,  p.  43,  1874. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Sabbath  Schools 
hereafter  consist  of  nine  members,  three  to  serve  for  one  year,  three  for 
two  years,  and  three  for  tlnre  years,  and  three  to  be  appointed  each  suc- 
ceeding year  to  serve  for  three  years.      Vol.  V,  p.  35,  1879. 

[On  tiie  re-organization  of  the  Board  of  Puiilication  the  Permanent 
Committee  on  Sabbat li  Schools  was  dissolved,  and  made  a  part  of  the 
Board.      Vol.  V,  p.  7!)7,  1883.] 

4.  Members  of  Session  to  Labor  in  the  Sabbath  School,  and 
in  Their  Official  Capacity  to  have  the  Supervision  over  it. — Re- 
solved, 3.  Tliat  as  the  ciiildren  of  tiie  Sabbath  School  constitute  a  most 
important  part  of  the  chuicii,  and  should  therefore  be  under  the  special 
care  ol  its  overseers,  we  deem  it  in  the  highest  degree  essential  that, 
whenever  practicable,  the  members  of  Sessions  should  be  laborers  in  the 
Sabbath  School,  and  in  their  official  capacity  maintain  such  a  faithful 
and  wholesome  supervision  over  it,  that  it  cannot  fail  to  become  a 
powerful  auxiliary  in  building  up  the  cause  of  the  Redeemer.  Vol.  II, 
p.  499,  18G8. 

Resolved,  A.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Session,  to  whom  is  intrusted 
the  oversight  of  tiie  congregation,  to  give  special  attention  to  the  Sab- 
bath School,  and,  in  their  otlicial  capacity,  exercise  a  supervision  over  it, 
which  will  tend  to  its  purity  and  efficiency.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  33,  1869. 

Resolved,  ."),  That  the  eldership  of  the  church  should  identify  itself 
closely  with  the  Sabbath  School,  and  take  part  in  carrying  it  on.  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  250,  1871. 

Resolved,  1.  That  pastoi-s  and  Sessions  having,  according  to  the 
Directory  for  Worship,  the  special  oversight  and  control  of  the  Sabbath 
School,  should  in  every  case  be  deeply  interested  in  its  work  and  wel- 
fare, and  should  use  every  means  in  their  power  to  secure,  if  possible, 
the  attendance  of  all  the  children  of  the  school  upon  the  regular  services 
of  public  worship  in  the  congregation.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  580,  1873. 

Resolved,  2.  That  pastors  and  elders  be  urged  to  devote  themselves 
more  largely  to  this  department  of  Christian  Work.  Vol.  V,  p.  716, 
1883. 

5.  Presbyteries  and  Synods  to  give  Attention  to  Sabbath 

School  Work. — Resolved,  4.  That  the  Presbyteries  of  our  church  be 
and  hereby  are  recommended  to  give  increased  attention  to  the  Sabbath 
School  work ;  to  secure  more  complete  statistical  reports  of  Sabbath 
School  operations;  and,  when  practicable,  hold  occasional  conferences 
on  the  subject,  by  whit-h  means  we  may  hope  to  awaken  an  increased 
interest,  and  bring  every  available  energy  into  operation,  so  that  tiiis 
garden  of  the  Lord  may  be  zealously  and  perseveringly  cultured,  and 
become  the  nursery  of  the  church.      Vol.  II,  p.  500,  1868. 

Resolved,  9.  That  the  Presbyteries  and  Synods  of  our  church  interest 
themselves  more  in  the  growth  and  guidance  of  Sabbath  Schools, 
whether  in  settled  congregations  or  mission  districts.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  256, 
1871. 


SABBATH    SCHOOLS.  271 

6.  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  Synods  of  tlie  church  lo 
appoint  committees  to  correspond  and  consult  with  this  committee  <>t 
the  General  Assembly.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  146,  1870. 

9.  That  each  Synod  under  the  care  of  this  Assembly  be  directed  to 
spend  at  least  one  session  each  year  in  conference  on  this  subject. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  168,  1875. 

Resolved,  1.  That  Presbyteries  be  recommended  to  hold  at  least  one 
Sabbath-school  convention  each  year,  for  the  purpose  of  creating  a 
deeper  interest  in  this  important  work  to  help  and  encourage  those  who 
are  engaged  in  it.  Let  the  action  of  said  Presbyterial  conventions  be 
reported  to  the  jiermanent  committee.     Vol.  IV,  p.  3C5.  1876. 

Resolved,  2.  That  Presbyteries  be  recommended  to  hold  conventions 
in  the  interest  of  Sabbath-schools,  at  least  once  a  year,  and  that  they 
appoint  some  efficient  Sabbath-school  worker,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
call  such  conventions,  make  all  arrangements  res})ecting  them,  and  re- 
port results  to  the  permanent  committee.      Vol.  IV,  p.  440,  1877. 

Resolved,  9.  That  the  office  of  Presbyterial  superintendent  of  Sabbath- 
schools  be  continued,  that  Presbyterial  conventions  be  held  under  the 
direction  of  the  superintendents,  and  that  the  permanent  committee  be 
directed  to  call  a  convention  of  Presbyterial  superintendents,  at  such 
time  and  place  as  may  seem  best,  to  be  under  the  general  direction  of 
said  committee.     Vol.  IV,  p.  579,  1878. 

3.  That  Piesbyteiies  be  recommended  to  hold  Presbyterial  Sabbath- 
school  Institutes,  in  which  normal  instruction  and  thorough  training  in 
practical  Sabbath-school  work  shall  be  given  by  competent  instructors. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  230,  1889. 

6.  Presbyterial  Superintendents  of  Sabbath-schools  and  their 

Duties. — Resolved,  2.  That  Presbyteries  be  recommended  to  hold  con- 
ventions in  the  interests  of  Sabbath-schools,  at  least  once  a  year,  and 
that  they  appoint  some  efficient  Sabbatli-school  worker  whose  duty  it 
shall  be  to  call  such  conventions,  make  all  arrangements  respecting 
them,  and  report  results  to  the  permanent  committee.  Vol.  IV,  p.  440, 
1877. 

Resolved,  9.  That  the  office  of  Presbyterial  superintendent  of  Sab- 
bath schools  be  continued,  that  Presbyterial  conventions  be  held  under 
the  direction  of  the  superintendents,  and  tiiat  the  permanent  committee 
be  directed  to  call  a  convention  of  Presbyterial  superintendents,  at  such 
time  and  place  as  may  seem  best,  to  be  under  the  general  direction  of 
said  committee.     Vol.  IV,  p.  579,  1878. 

3.  That  the  Presbyterial  superintendents  hereafter  be  appointed,  as 
the  Financial  Agents  and  superintendents  of  Missions  now  are,  upon 
nomination  by  the  Presbyteries  and  election  by  the  Assembly.  Vol. 
V,  p.  187,  1880. 

4.  That  Presbyterial  superintendents  1  e  appointed  as  continuously 
as  possible.     Vol.  V,  p.  716,  1883. 

6.  That  it  shall  hereafter  be  a  duty  of  Presbyterial  Sabbath-school 
superintendents  to  gather  a  summary  of  the  rej)orts  of  all  the  schools 
under  their  supervision  for  presentation  to  the  Permanent  Committee. 
Vol.  V,  p.  187,  1880. 

6.  That  Presbyterial  superintendents  give  all  aid  in  their  power  to 
advance  the   cause  of  Sabbath-schools,  and  to  this  end  co-operate  with 


272  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

the  Committee  on  Sabbatli-schools  of  the  Board  of  Pablication  in  their 
published  monthly  reports.     Vol.  VI,  p.  39,  1884. 

1.  That  Presbyterial  superintendents  of  Sabbath-schools  be  directed 
to  use  all  reasonable  effort  to  have  Teachers'  Preparation  Meetings 
held  weekly  in  all  tlie  Sabbath-schools  of  their  respective  Presbyteries, 
and  to  encourage  tiie  forming  of  Normal  Classes  for  the  training  of 
teachers.     Vol.  VI,  p.  439,  1886. 

4.  That  Presbyterial  superintendents  be  required  hereafter  to  annually 
report  the  condition  of  all  the  schools  under  their  supervision  to  their 
respective  Presbyteries,  as  well  as  to  the  Permanent  Committee  on 
Sabbath-schools,  using  the  Committee's  blanks  for  this  purpose  ;  and 
that  each  Presbytery  be  directed  to  inquire  into  the  superintendent's 
diligence  in  this  matter.     Vol.  VII,  p.  32,  1888. 

2.  That  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  exercise  great  care  in  the  selec- 
tion of  Presbyterial  Sabbath-school  superintendents,  who  will  faithfully 
perform  the  duties  of  their  office  and  regularly  and  fully  report  to  the 
Sabbath-school  Committee  of  the  Board  of  Publication,  the  work  of  the 
schools  under  their  care,  and  that  the  General  Assembly  refuse  to  con- 
firm the  nomination  of  any  man  as  Presbyterial  Sabbath-school  Super- 
intendent who  has  failed  to  render  such  report  for  two  consecutive  years. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  230,  1889. 

6.  As  the  highest  possible  degree  of  efficiency  is  important  on  the 
part  of  the  teacher,  we  urge  upon  superintendents  and  teachers  the 
value  of  teachers'  meetings  for  study  of  the  lesson  ;  also  upon  the  Pres- 
byterial Sabbath-school  superintendents  to  hold  one  or  more  conven- 
tion or  institute  in  each  Presbytery  during  the  year.  Vol.  VII,  j).  415, 
1890. 

5.  Teachers  in  the  Sabbath  School  to  be  Members  of  the 

Church. — Resolved^  4.  That  the  teachers  should  be  members  of  the 
church,  and  well  known  for  their  piety.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  256,  1871. 

6.  Teachers'  Meetings. — Resolved,  3.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  super- 
intendents and  teachers  to  hold  monthly,  or  more  frequent  meetings,  for 
conference  and  prayer.     Vol.  Ill,  ]>.  146,  1870. 

1.  That  Presbyterial  superintendents  of  Sabbath-schools  be  directed 
to  use  all  reasonable  effort  to  have  Teachers'  Preparation  meetings  held 
weekly  in  all  tlie  Sabljath  Schools  of  their  respective  Presbyteries. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  439,  188G. 

6.  As  the  highest  possible  degree  of  efficiency  is  important  on  the 
part  of  the  teacher,  we  urge  upon  superintendents  and  teachers  the  value 
of  teachers'  meetings  for  study  of  tiie  lesson.     Vol.  VII,  p.  415,  1890. 

3.  We  recommend  the  regular  meeting  at  least  once  each  month  of 
officers  and  teachers  for  prayer  and  conference  concerning  their  schools. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  654,  1891. 

7.  Adult  Classes  in  the  Sabbath  School.— Resolved,  4.  That  we 

earnestly  recommend  the  forming  of  classes  composed  of  adult  members 
and  adherents  of  the  church,  believing  that  the  Sabbath-school,  accord- 
ing to  the  best  idea,  is  an  institution  for  the  scriptural  instruction  both 
of  the  young  and  old,  and  that  the  adoption  of  this  plan  would  over- 
come, in  a  great  measure,  the  difficulty  of  retaining  young  men  and 
women  in  the  schools,  inasmuch  as  they  would  then  be  encouraged  to 
continue  their  attendance  by  the  example  of  their  parents  and  of  other 
persons  older  than  themselves.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  391,  1872.     • 


SABBATH    SCHOOLS,  273 

Resolved,  1.  That  tlie  adult  members  of  the  church  be  urged  to  em- 
■farace  the  opportunity  for  Bible  study  afforded  by  the  Sabbath-school, 
and  thus  not  only  obtain  for  themselves  a  better  acquaintance  with  the 
•Scriptures,  but  by  their  presence  there  remove  one  of  the  greatest  hin- 
drances to  the  attendance  and  retention  of  the  children  and  youth  in 
our  Sabbath  schools.     Vol.  IV,  p.  579,  1878. 

8.  Normal  Glasses. — Resolved,  l.  That  in  all  cases  in  which  it  is 
possible,  pastors  or  Sessious  be  directed  to  establish  classes  in  their  con- 
gregations for  the  training  of  teachers  ;  that,  along  with  the  Bible,  the 
Shorter  Catechism  be  used  as  the  basis  of  systematic  doctrinal  instruc- 
tion in  these  classes,  and  that  special  lessons  be  given  in  the  art  of 
teaching.     Vol.  IV,  p.  43,  1874. 

2.  That  pastors  and  superintendents  be  urged  to  establish  normal 
classes  for  the  special  training  of  teachers,  so  that  our  standard  of  teach- 
ing may  be  raised  higher.  Vol.  V,  p.  35,  1879.  [This  was  re-affirmed. 
Vol.  V,  p.  187,  1880'.] 

That  it  be  recommended  to  pastors  and  Sessions  throughout  the 
church  that,  in  every  congregation  where  it  is  practicable,  Teachers' 
meetings  be  organized  for  the  study  of  the  lesson,  and  that  arrangements 
be  made  for  the  formation  of  normal  classes,  and  that  the  progress  of 
the  work  be  reported  to  the  Permanent  Committee  before  the  next 
meeting  of  the  Assembly.     Vol.  V,  p.  3G1,  1881. 

4.  In  view  of  tlie  great  need  of  the  highest  possible  degree  of  effi- 
-ciency  in  Sabbath-school  instruction,  we  again  urge  upon  pastoi-s  and 
Sessions  to  use  every  suitable  effort  to  organize  in  their  respective  con- 
gregations normal  classes  for  the  training  of  Sabbath-school  teachers. 
Vol.  V,  p.  539,  1882. 

3.  That  a  further  and  more  persistent  effort  be  made  to  secure  normal 
class  study  and  teachers'  meetings  for  the  study  of  the  lesson.  Vol.  V, 
p.  71G,  1883. 

1.  That  Presbyterial  superintendents  of  Sabbath-schools  be  directed 
to  use  all  reasonable  effort  to  encourage  the  forming  of  normal  classes 
for  the  training  of  teachers.     Vol.  VI,  p.  439,  1886. 

[The  Permanent  Committee  was  authorized  to  prepare  a  manual  for 
general  use  in  normal  classes.  Vol.  V,  p.  187,  1880.  The  manual  was 
prepared  and  published  by  tiie  Board  of  Publication.  Vol.  V,  p.  360, 
1881.] 

9.  The  Bible  to  be  Used  as  a  Text-book  in  the  Sabbath  School. 

— Resolved,  3.  That  our  Sabbath-schools  be  urged  to  use  the  Bible  as 
the  class  text-book,  making  the  lesson  leaves  and  other  helps  sub- 
ordinate to  the  Bible. 

4.  That  the  superintendents  of  Sabbath-schools  be  urged  to  en- 
courage each  scholar  to  possess  a  Bible,  and  where  necessary  furnish 
Bibles  to  the  scholars.     Vol.  VI,  p.  38,  1884. 

9.  That  in  the  Sabbath-school  we  urge  the  use  of  the  Bible,  instead 
of  the  lesson  leaves,  on  the  part  of  both  teacher  and  pupil.  Vol.  VII, 
p.  415,  1890. 

10.  The  Shorter  Catechism  to  be  Studied  in  the  Sabbath 

iSchool. — Resolved,  3.  That  the  Shorter  Catechism  should  be  carefully 
studied  in  all  our  schools,  and  that  greater  attention  should  be  paid  to 
the  exercise  of  singing.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  256,  1871. 
18 


274  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Resolved,  5.  That  while  the  Bible  is  the  great  text-book,  the  cate- 
chisms, especially  the  Shorter  and  Brown's,  should  be  taught  in  the 
Sabbath-schools.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  580,  1873. 

Resolved,  4.  That  in  addition  to  these  [uniform]  lessons,  we  earnestly 
urge  and  recommend  the  study  of  the  catechisms  of  the  church  in  all 
our  schools,  and  further,  that  the  Bible  be  read  as  a  regular  exercise  in 
all  the  classes.     Vol.  IV,  p.  167,  1875. 

Resolved,  5.  That  the  persons  selected  to  prepare  the  lessons  be  also 
directed  to  prepare  lessons  on  the  catechism  and  doctrines  of  the 
church,  to  be  taught  in  connection  with  the  International  Lessons. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  579,  1878. 

4.  We  recommend  that,  as  far  as  possible,  the  Shorter  Catechism  be 
taught  in  every  class  iu  the  Sabbatli-school.     Vol.  VII,  p.  654,  1891. 

11.  Uniforin  Lessons  for  Sabbath  Schools  Recommended. — 

Resolved,  4.  That  all  the  improved  methods  of  teaching  by  means  of 
"  blackboard  exercises,"  "  object  lessons,"  "  uniform  lessons,"  &c.,  be 
recommended  to  the  teachers,  with  the  suggestion  that  care  be  taken 
to  adapt  these  matters  to  the  situations  in  which  it  is  proposed  to  em- 
ploy them.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  140,  187U. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  Bible  is  the  great  text-book,  and  that  the  plan 
of  uniform  lessons  for  the  whole  school,  with  review,  be  recommended 
to  the  favorable  consideration  of  the  Sabbath-schools  throughout  the 
church.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  25G,  1871. 

Reselved,  3.  That  all  our  people  are  earnestly  urged  to  use  the  Inter- 
national Uniform  Lesson  Series,  and  to  employ  the  papers  published  by 
the  Assembly's  committee.     Vol.  IV,  p.  167,  1875. 

12.  Notes  and  Lesson  Papers  for  the  Sabbath   School. — 

Resolved,  5.  Tliat  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  permanent  committee  on 
Sabbath-schools  to  prepare  or  procure  the  preparation  of  suitable  notes 
for  the  teachers  and  lesson  papers  for  the  scholars,  and  that  they  be  di- 
rected to  publish  them  in  such  periodical  or  periodicals  of  the  church  as 
may  be  willing  to  admit  them,  or  as  the  committee  may  deem  best 
adapted  to  the  purpose.     Vol.  IV,  p.  43,  1874. 

[The  lesson  papers  and  notes  were  prepared  under  the  direction  of 
the  Permanent  Committee  until  it  was  consolidated  with  the  Board  of 
Publication  in  1883.] 

13.  Preaching  to  Sabbath  School  Scholars. — Resolved,  10.  That 

the  Assembly  direct  the  attention  of  pastors  to  the  importance  of  preach- 
ing the  gospel  to  the  children,  and  of  urging  upon  parents  the  duty  of 
more  faithful  religious  training  in  the  family.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  256,  1871. 

Resolved^  2,  That  pastors  should  study  to  adapt  their  sermons  speci- 
ally to  the  young,  thus  obeying  Chrisrs  injunction,  "  feed  my  lambs." 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  580,  1873. 

Resolved,  2.  That  as  the  preaching  of  the  gospel  is  the  great  instru- 
mentality for  the  conversion  of  children,  as  well  as  older  persons,  pas- 
tors, elders,  teachers,  and  especially  parents,  should  sec  to  it  that  the 
children  of  the  Sabbath  School  attend  upon  the  regular  services  of  the 
church  ;  and  in  all  cases  where  parents  neglect  to  take  their  children 
with  them  to  church,  they  should  be  admonished  in  regard  to  their  duty 
in  this  matter,  by  those  who  have  the  spiritual  oversight  of  them  and 
their  children.     Vol.  IV,  p.  43,  1874. 


SABBATH    SCHOOLS.  275 

14.  Books  and  Papers  for  the  Sabbath-School. — Resolved,  5. 

That  as  many  of  tlie  books  and  papers  now  in  use  in  our  Sabbath 
Schools  are  calculated  to  engender  a  distaste  for  the  word  of  God,  we 
earnestly  recommend  to  superintendents  and  teachers  the  greatest  care 
in  the  selection  of  Sabbath-school  literature,  and  the  use,  as  far  as 
practicable,  of  the  publications  of  our  own  church.  Vol.  II,  p.  500, 
1868. 

Resolved,  5.  That  as  solemn  responsibilities  are  connected  with  the 
religious  education  of  the  young,  we  earnestly  recommend  pastors,  sup- 
erintendents and  teachers  to  exercise  great  care  in  the  selection  of 
libraries  and  Sabbath-school  papers.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  33,  1869. 

Resolved,  2.  That  as  the  object  of  the  schools  is  to  impart  religious 
instruction  and  train  the  children  in  the  love  of  Christ  and  his  church, 
particular  care  should  be  exercised  in  regard  to  the  management  and 
the  supply  of  books  and  literature.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  146,  1870. 

Resolved,  6.  That  libraries  for  the  scliools  should  be  selected  with  the 
utmost  care,  or  entirely  dispensed  with.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  580,  1873. 

Resolved,  3.  That  tiie  attention  of  our  ministers  and  intelligent  lay- 
men be  directed  to  tiie  importance  of  preparing  and  publishing  suitable 
books  for  the  Sabbath-school  library,  and  that  when  any  minister  or 
member  has  become  acquainted  with  a  good  Sabbath-school  book  he  be 
requested  to  forward  the  title  of  it  to  the  Board  of  Publication,  that  it 
may  be  more  fully  examined,  and  if  approved,  placed  upon  the  lists  of 
the  publications  kept  by  the  Board  for  the  use. of  the  schools  ;  and  also 
that  the  Board  be  directed  to  publish,  from  time  to  time,  a  descriptive 
list  of  the  books  they  have  selected,  and  send  a  copy  of  said  list  to  each 
pastor  in  the  church.     Vol.  IV,  p.  43,  1874. 

Resolved,  3.  That  when  libraries  are  used,  and  we  recommend  them 
in  missionary  schools  especially,  the  most  careful  attention  be  given  to 
the  selection  of  the  books  distributed.     Vol.  IV,  p.  579,  1878. 

[In  1880  the  Board  of  Publication  purchased  the  Youth's  Evangelist 
and  the  Rible  Teacher  from  private  publishers  and  assumed  the  supply 
of  the  Sabbath-schools  with  all  needful  helps.] 

Resolved,  5.  That  we  recommend  to  the  patronage  of  our  schools  the 
Sabbath-school  publications  of  our  own  Church,  and  express  our  gratifi- 
cation on  account  of  the  general  support  which  has  been  given  them. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  439,  1886. 

5.  That  our  Pastors,  Sessions  and  Sabbath-school  workers,  be  urged 
to  use  our  own  Sabbath  literature  in  preference  to  a.l  other.  Vol.  VII, 
p.  224,  1889. 

15.  Congregations  to  Provide  Funds  for  Maintaining  Sabbath 

Schools. — Resolved,  6.  That  our  congregations  should  provide  tlie  funds 
needful  for  maintaining  the  schools.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  256,  1871. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  schools  be  recommended  to  look  to  the  general 
funds  of  the  congregation  for  their  current  expenses.  Vol.  IV,  p.  579, 
1878. 

5.  That  in  our  judgment  the  expense  of  maintaining  our  schools 
should,  in  all  ordinary  cases,  be  borne  by  the  congregation,  so  that  the 
full  contributions  of  the  schools  may  be  directed  to  missionary  objects. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  230,  1889. 

5.  It  is  our  judgment  that  the   expense  of  maintaining   the  school 


276  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

should  be  borne  by  the  congregation,  so  that  the  full  contribution  of  the 
school  may  be  devoted  to  mission  work.     Vol.  VII,  p.  415,  1890. 

IG.  Sabbath  Schools  to  be  Kept  Open  During  the  Entire 

Year. — Resolved,  7.  That  every  effort  should  be  made  to  keep  the 
schools  open  for  as  large  a  portion  of  the  year  as  possible.  Vol.  Ill, 
p.  256,  1871. 

Resolved,  5.  That  in  order  that  all  children  may  receive  full  benefit 
of  the  system  of  lessons,  it  is  of  great  importance  that  Sabbath-schools 
be  kept  open  for  the  whole  year.     Vol.  IV,  p.  168,  1875. 

2.  Those  Sessions  who  have  not  already  done  so  are  urged  to  make  a 
fair  and  faithful  trial  of  the  very  desirable  plan  of  continuing  throughout 
the  entire  year  the  Sabbath-schools  under  their  care.  Vol.  V,  p.  539, 
1882. 

17.  Mission  Sabbath  Schools. — Resolved,  5.  That  we  earnestly 
recommend  the  establishing  and  fostering  of  Sabbath-schools  in  all  our 
new  mission  stations,  and  that  we  call  the  attention  of  our  missionaries 
and  superintendents  of  missions  to  this  matter.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  392,  1872. 

Resolved,  4.  That  the  Sabbath-school  should  be  made  more  aggressive 
in  its  work,  and  that  its  special  mission  is  to  gather  in  and  instruct  those 
■who  have  no  religious  training  and  no  one  to  care  for  their  souls.     Vol. 

III,  p.  580,  1873. 

Resolved,  4.  That  every  Sabbath-school  should  be  missionary  in  its 
character.  All  connected  witii  it  should  be  engaged  in  efforts  to  bring 
in  neglected  children.     Vol.  IV,  p.  43,  1874. 

6.  We  recommend  to  pastors  and  Sessions,  where  practicable  and  ex- 
pedient, the  organization  of  mission  schools  in  their  immediate  locality, 
for  the  better  evangelizing  the  field,  and  for  the  growth  in  knowledge 
and  grace  of  their  members,  these  schools  to  be  under  the  control  of  the 
Session.     Vol.  VII,  p.  654,  1891. 

18.  Contributions  of  Sabbath  Schools. — Resolved,  6.  That  the 

Sabbath-school  children  througliout,  tiie  church  be  requested  to  contri- 
bute to  the  support  of  one  or  more  new  missionaries  in  the  foreign  field. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  33,  1869. 

Resolved,  8.  That  scholars  should  be  encouraged  to  contribute  weekly 
for  missionary  and  benevolent  purposes,  other  than  the  wants  of  their 
own  school.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  256,  1871. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  permanent  committee  be  instructed  to  specify, 
through  the  papers  of  the  church,  near  the  beginning  of  each  quarter  of 
the  year,  some  object  or  objects  to  which  they  would  recommend  our 
Sabbath-schools  to  appropriate  their  contributions,  and  that  any  who 
desire  to  obtain  Sabbath-school  contributions  for  any  particular  object 
be  requested  to  lay  its  claims  before  said  committee,  so  that  if  they  deem 
the  object  one  of  the  most  worthy  and  proper  they  may  recommend  it 
to  the  schools.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  391,  1872. 

7.  That  contributions  should  be  made  in  all  the  schools  weekly. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  544,  1873. 

4.  That  *  *  *  an  opportunity  should  be  afforded  the  scholars  at 
every  session  to  contribute  their  substance  for  missionary  work.     Vol. 

IV,  p.  43,  1874. 

2.  That  the  schools  be  recommended  to  apply  all  their  contributions 
to  general  missionary  and  benevolent  purposes,  as  best  calculated  to  cul- 


SABBATH  SCHOOLS.  277 

tivate  unselfish  liberality  on  the  part  of  the  youtli.  Vol.  IV,  p.  579, 
1878. 

4.  That  all  our  Sabbath-schools  be  requested  to  contribute  to  four 
special  missionary  objects  during  the  year,  beginning  July  1,  1886,  said 
special  objects  for  each  quarter  of  the  year  to  be  designated  by  the 
Boards  of  Home  Missions,  Churcli  I^xtension,  Freedmen's  Missions, 
and  Foreign  Missions,  in  the  order  named.  Such  contributions  shall  be 
forwarded  at  the  close  of  each  quarter  to  the  Financial  Agents  of  the 
respective  Presbyteries.     Vol.  VI,  p.  439,  1886. 

4.  That  the  plan  of  presenting  some  specific  object — which  has  been 
so  successful  as  a  means  of  developing  the  liberality  of  our  scholars  dur- 
ing the  past  year — be  continued;  and  that  the  Boards  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, Home  Missions,  Church  Extension  and  Freedmen's  Missions,  in 
the  order  named,  designate  a  special  object  to  which  Sabbath-schools 
shall  contribute  for  the  quarter.     Vol.  VII,  p.  230,  1889. 

4.  That  the  Secretaries  of  each  of  the  Boards  to  whicli  contributions 
are  set  apart  be  requested  to  designate  some  special  object  for  the  con- 
tributions, and  to  send  out  information  respecting  the  same  that  the  in- 
terest of  the  scholars  may  be  increased.     Vol.  VII,  p.  415,  189U. 

8.  That  the  contributions  of  the  schools  during  the  year  be  appropri- 
ated quarterly,  as  heretofore,  to  the  following  Boards,  and  in  the  follow- 
ing order:  1st  quarter,  Foreign  Missions;  2d  quarter,  Home  Missions; 
3d  quartei-,  Church  Extension;  4th  quarter,  Freedmen's  Missions. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  Go4,  1891. 

9.  Resolved,  That  the  contributions  of  that  day  f  Missionary  Day]  be 
given  to  the  four  Mission  Boards.     Vol.  VII,  p.  654,  1891. 

19.  Missionary  Day  in  the    Sabbath  Schools. — Resolved,  3. 

That  the  last  Sabbath  of  June,  1886,  be  appointed  a  Missionary  Day  in 
all  our  Sabbath  Schools,  with  the  recommendation  that  special  services 
be  held  in  the  interest  of  missions.  And  inasmuch  as  we  have  learned 
that  provision  has  been  made  already  for  the  purchase  of  a  new  boat 
for  the  use  of  our  missionaries  on  the  river  Nile,  that  special  contribu- 
tions be  made  on  that  day  for  the  payment  of  the  expense  of  repairing 
the  boat  Ibis,  all  money  contributed  in  excess  of  tiie  amount  necessary 
for  this  purpose  to  be  divided  equally  between  the  Training  Schools  in 
our  missions  in  Egypt  and  India.  Vol.  VI,  p.  439,  1886.  [A  like  ap- 
pointment of  the  last  Sabbath  of  June  as  missionary  day  was  made  by 
the  successive  Assembles.  Vol.  VII,  p.  670,  1887;  Vol.  VII,  p.  32, 
1888  ;  p.  280,  1889  ;  p.  415,  1890  ;  p.  654,  1891.] 

20.  Day  of  Prayer  for  Sabbath  Schools. — Resolved,  7.  That  the 

third  Sabbath  of  October  be  observed  as  a  day  of  special  prayer  for 
Sabbath-schools  and  for  the  preaching  of  sermons  to  the  children,  and 
that  pastors  and  sessions  be  urged  to  hold  special  services  on  that  day 
in  the  interest  of  this  important  department  of  the  Master's  work. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  439,  1886.  [A  like  appointment  of  the  third  Sabbath  of 
October,  as  a  Day  of  Prayer  for  Sabbath  Schools,  was  made  by  each 
successive  Assem'blv.  Vol.  VI,  p.  670,  1887  ;  Vol.  VII,  p.  32,  1888  ; 
p.  230,  1889;  p.  415,  1890;  p.  654,  1891.] 

21.  A  Weekly  Sabbath  School  Paper.  [Tiie  permanent  com- 
mittee was  instructed  to  consider  the  feasibility  of  publishing  a  weekly 
Sabbath-school  paper  and  to  take  measures  towards  it,  if  the  way  seems 


278  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

clear.  Vol.  IV,  p.  168,  1875.  On  tlie  recommendation  of  the  per- 
manent committee,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  report  on  the  practica- 
bility of  establishing  such  a  paper.  Vol.  IV,  p.  440,  1877.  This 
committee  reported,  and  the  Assembly  resolved  that  it  was  inexpedi- 
ent to  undertake  the  woik,  believing  that  it  could  be  more  successfully 
conducted  as  a  private  enterprise.  Vol.  IV,  j).  o79,  1878.]  Subse- 
quently, the  Board  of  Publication  was  authorized  to  purchase  the 
periodicals  of  certain  publishers.     Vol.  V,  p.  197,  1880. 

23.  Music  for  Sabbath  Schools.— See  Bible  Songs. 

CXI.     SALARIES. 

1.  Salaries  of  Officers  of  the  Assembly,  Corresponding  Sec- 
retaries, &C. — [A  committee  of  Hve  was  appointed  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  whole  subject  of  salaries  of  officers  of  the  Assembly,  sec- 
retaries, treasurers  of  the  various  Boards,  and  adjust  the  same  on  an 
equitaljle  basis,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  Vol.  IV,  p.  456, 
1877.  This  committee  reported,  when  the  following  substitute  was 
adopted  :] 

We  recommend  that  officers  be  paid  as  follows  :  Corresponding  Sec- 
retaries of  tlie  Boards — of  Home  Missions,  $800  ;  of  Church  Entension, 
$000;  of  Foreign  Missions,  $500;  of  Freedmen's  Missions,  $200;  of 
Education,  $150.  Treasurers  of  the  Boards — of  Foreign  Missions,  $300; 
of  Church  Extension,  S75.  Officers  of  the  Assembly — principal  clerk, 
$75  ;  second  clerk,  $200  ;  assi*stant  clei'k,  $25.  Also  that  all  other 
officers  whose  services  are  before  us  be  jiaid  their  expenses  in  addition 
to  our  high  appreciation  and  cordial  thanks.      Vol.  IV,  p.  587,  1878. 

[The  Presbytery  of  AVestmoreland  asked  the  Assembly  to  abolish 
the  salaries  of  officers,  etc.,  fixed  in  1878;  the  Assembly  refused  to 
take  any  action.     Vol.  V,  p.  194.  1880.] 

2.  Pajnnent  of  Salaries  of  Officers  of  the  Assembly,  &c.— [The 

General  Assembly  gavti  order  tiiat  tiie  salaries  of  the  officers  of  the 
General  Assembly,  the  secretaries  and  treasurers  of  the  various  Boards, 
be  paid  out  of  the  General  Assembly's  Furd,  on  the  order  of  the  Prin- 
cipal Clerk.  Vol.  IV,  p.  456,  1877.  This  action  was  rescinded,  Vol. 
IV,  p.  5b9,  1878.  Witiiout  furtiier  action  tlie  salaries  of  the  officers  of 
the  Assembly  are  paid  out  ot  the  General  Assembly's  fnnd,  and  the 
salaries  of  tlie  Secretaries  and  Treasurers  of  the  Boards  are  paid  out  of 
the  funds  of  their  respective  Boards.] 

3.  Salary  of  the  Clerks  of  the  Assembly. — See  Clerks. 

4.  Salary  of  Foreign  Missionaries. — See  Foreign  Missions, 
Board  of. 

5.  Salary  of  Home  Missionaries. — See  Home  Missions,  Board  of. 

6.  Salary  of  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  of 

Church  Extension. — The  salary  of  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of 
tlie  Board  of  Church  Extension  was  first  fixed  at  $200  per  annum,  and 
then,  on  reconsideration,  was  made  $300.  Vol.  Ill,  159,  1870.  It 
was  increased  to  the  sum  of  $500,  Vol.  Ill,  p.  391,  1872  ;  to  $600,  Vol.- 
IV,  p.  587,  1878;  to  $800,  Vol.  VI,  p.  233,1885;  to  $1,200,  Vol. 
VII,  p.  213,  1889. 

7.  Salary  of  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  of 


SALARIES.  279 

Education. — The  salary  of  the  Secretary  of  tlie  Board  of  Education 
was  "raised  to  $300."  Vol.  Ill,  p.  418,  1872  ;  it  was  fixed  at  SloO 
per  anmim.     Vol.  IV,  p.  587,  1878. 

8.  Salary  of  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  of 

Foreign  Missions. — Tlie  salary  ot  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions  was  at  tirst  $60  per  annum.  Vol.  I,  p.  121, 
18G0 ;  it  was  increased  to  $500.  Vol.  II,  p.  157,  1865  ;  it  was 
changed  to  $300.  Vol.  II,  p.  320,  1866;  and  was  made  $500.  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  407,  1872. 

9.  Salary  of  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  of 

Missions  to  the  Freedmen. — Tlie  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Kreed- 
men's  Missions  was  autliorized  to  draw  on  the  treasurer  of  the  Board' 
for  "  $500,  for  services  rendered."  Vol.  II,  p.  162,  1865.  The  salary 
was  fixed  at  $300.  Vol.  II,  p.  320,  1866.  At  the  request  of  the 
Secretary  it  was  reduced  to  $200  per  annum.  Vol.  IV,  p.  316,  1876  ; 
in  the  re-adjustment  of  salaries,  it  was  continued  at  $200  per  annum. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  587,  1878.  It  was  raised  to  $300.  Vol.  VII,  p.  637, 
1891. 

10.  Salary  of  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  of 

Home  Missions. — An  order  was  given  in  behalf  of  the  clerk  of  the 
committee  of  Home  Missions  for  '-$30  for  services  of  the  year."  Vol. 
II,  p.  60,  1859.  An  annual  salary  of  $60  was  given.  Vol.  I,  p.  121, 
1860 ;  this  was  increased  to  $500.  Vol.  II,  p.  177,  1865 ;  was 
ch-aniied  to  300.  Vol.  II,  p.  320,  1866  ;  was  restored  to  $500.  Vol. 
II,  p.  410,  1867;  was  raised  to  S800.  Vol.  IV,  p.  339,  1876;  in  the 
re-adjustment  of  salaries  was  continued  at  $800.  Vol.  IV,  p.  587, 
1878  ;  was  raised  to  $1,800  and  expenses  on  condition  of  giving  whole 
time  to  the  work.  Vol.  VI,  p.  468,  1886;  to  $2,500.  Vol.  VII,  p. 
259,  1889. 

11.  Salary  of  Ministers. — Resolved,  That  the  regulation  of  minis- 
terial salaries  belongs  to  Presbyteries,  and  does  not  properly  come  before 
the  General  Assembly.     Vol.   I,  p.  38,  1869. 

Resolved,  5.  That  $1,500  should  be  the  average  salary  of  the  minis- 
ters of  this  church,  and  that  no  minister  should  receive  less  than  $1,000. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  23,  1869. 

Resolved,  3.  That  congregations  be  urged  to  give  to  their  pastors  a 
liberal  support,  and  that  the  sum  of  $1,000  should  be.  the  minimum  for 
<;ountiy  pastors,  and  the  sura  of  $2,000  for  pastors  in  towns  and  cities. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  534,  1873. 

12.  Salaries  of  the  Treasurers  of  the  "Ro^xdiS.— Resolved,  4. 

That  the  General  Assembly  cannot  admit  any  claim  for  salary  on  the 
part  ot  treasurers  of  the  different  Boards  of  the  church,  not  having  au- 
thorized the  payment  of  salaries.     Vol.  Ill,  p    269,  1871. 

Resolved,  'I'hat  the  treasurer  of  the  Foreign  Board  shall  receive  annu- 
ally for  his  services  $300;  of  the  Home  Board,  $200;  of  the  Church 
Extension  Board,  $100,  and  of  the  Freedmen's  Board,  $75,  until  other- 
wise ordered  by  the  General  Assembly.     Vol.  IV,  p.  455,  1877. 

[The  salary  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions  was 
fixed  at  $300;  of  the  treasurer  of  the  Board  of  Church  Extension  at 
$75  (increased  to  $200.  Vol.  VII,  p.  641,  1891),  the  treasurers  of  the 
other  Boards  to  be  paid  their  expenses.     Vol.  IV,  p.  587,  1878.] 


280  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

[The  Board  of  Missions  to  the  Freedmen  asked  the  General  Assem- 
bly to  fix  a  salary  for  the  treasurer  of  tire  Board  and  authorize  the  pay- 
ment of  the  same.     The  Assembly  adopted  the  following  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  request  of  the  Board  be  granted  touching  the 
salary  of  the  treasurer.     Vol.  VI,  p.  30,  1884. 

[Previous  to  the  readjustment  of  salaries  in  1878  the  treasurer  of  the 
Board  of  Foreign  Missions  was  allowed  a  salary  of  $300  per  annum. 
Vol.  IV,  pp.  182,  1875  ;  30G,  1876.] 

CXII.  SAN  FRAK CISCO  PRESBYTERY. 

[A  petition  was  presented  to  the.  General  Assembly  for  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  Presbytery  in  California.  The  Assembly  directed  that  a 
Presbytery  be  constituted  in  tiie  church  in  San  Francisco,  at  such  time 
as  might  be  agreed  upon,  to  be  known  as  the  Presbytery  of  San  Fran- 
cisco, the  bounds  for  the  present  to  be  the  State  of  California.  VoL 
III,  p.  28,  18G9.     The  Presbytery  was  organized  November  8,  1869.] 

CXIII.     SECRET  SOCIETIES. 

1.  The  Position  of  the  Church  Clearly  Defined.— [In  answer 

to  a  request  from  the  Presbytery  of  Cleveland  the  Assembly  adopted 
the  following  :] 

The  position  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  in  reference  to  secret 
societies  has  been  so  clearly  defined  in  her  standards,  and  so  frequently 
and  positively  affirmed  by  her  highest  courts,  and  so  widely  published 
through  her  periodicals,  that  any  other  or  further  action  on  the  subject 
by  the  Assembly  at  this  time  is  unnecessary.     Vol.  V,  p.  21,  1879. 

[In  reply  to  a  communication  from  the  Secretary  of  the  National 
Christian  Association  the  Assembly  adopted  tlie  following  :] 

Resolved,  6.  That  the  position  of  our  Church  on  secret  oath-bound 
societies,  as  set  forth  in  our  Testimony,  and  as  expressed  in  past  deliv- 
erances of  the  Assembly,  is  sufficiently  clear  and  definite,  therefore  no 
further  action  is  required.  Also,  with  reference  to  questions  of  reform, 
former  actions  of  the  Assembly  are  deemed  sufficient  and  no  further  ac- 
tion is  required.     Vol.  VI,  p.  31.  1884. 

2.  Duty  of  Pastors  and  Sessions. — [The  Committee  on  Reform 
presented  the  following,  which  was  adopted:] 

Your  committee  are  of  tlie  opinion  that  we  should  emphasize  more 
than  we  are  now  doing  the  position  which  we  hold  as  a  Church  upon 
the  question  of  secret  societies.  In  face  of  the  many  evils  growing  out 
of  the  lodge  system,  and  in  view  of  the  fact  that  our  country's  future 
welfare  would  seem  to  depend  upon  the  overthrow  of  this  system  of 
iniquity,  we  would  recommend  that  all  our  pastors  and  sessions  be  en- 
joined to  unfurl  the  banner  of  our  Church  upon  this  question,  so  tliat 
the  Church  may  be  recognized  everywhere  as  not  in  name  only,  but 
also  in  reality,  a  factor  in  the  reform  that  would  seek  to  rid  the  world 
of  the  oath-bound  secret  society.     Vol.  VII,  p.  423,  1890. 

[Report  of  the  Permanent  Committee  on  Reform  :]  The  evils  and 
dangers  of  secretism  are  as  great  as  ever,  and  the  agitation  has  not 
been  as  vigorous  as  could  be  desired.  The  country,  however,  has  been 
startled   into   consideration  of  the  dark  subject  by  the  recent  terrible 


SECRET    SOCIETIES.  281 

tragedy  in  tlie  city  of  New  Orleans.  .  .  .It  is  hoped  that  the  devel- 
opments through  the  investigations  into  the  methods  of  the  Mafia  and 
the  Clan-na-gael  may  arouse  the  public  to  the  dangers  of  secret  combin- 
ations of  every  kind,  in  society.     Vol,  VII,  p.  729,  1891. 

3.  Free  Masons  and  Odd  Fellows. — Resolved,  l.  That  this  As- 
sembly regard  adherence  to  the  society  of  Free  Masons,  or  to  that  of 
Odd  Fellows,  as  inconsistent  with  membership  in  good  standing  in  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church. 

2.  That  all  our  Sessions  be  and  hereby  are  enjoined  to  carry  out,  by 
the  faithful  exercise  of  discipline,  the  principles  set  forth  in  the  XVth 
Article,  as  interpreted  in  the  foregoing  resolution. 

3.  That  this  Assembly  do  most  earnestly  and  affectionately  exhort  all 
the  members  of  this  church  to  abstain  from  connecting  themselves  with 
any  secret  associations,  believing  that  they  are  unnecessary,  and  are  cal- 
culated to  operate  injuriously  on  the  interests  of  society,  and  that  they 
do  especially  urge  the  ministers  and  elders  of  this  church  to  use  their 
influence  to  keep  our  members  from  an  incorporation  with  them.  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  25,  1869. 

The  Presbytery  of  Chartiers  complains  of  the  action  of  the  last  Gen- 
eral Assembly  on  the  same  subject.  The  Presbytery  expresses  the 
opinion  that  the  "  Assembly  did,  inadvertently  or  otherwise,  modify  and 
limit  the  meaning  and  application  of  the  XVth  article,  by  putting  an  in- 
terpretation on  it  which  confines  its  disciplinary  application  to  the 
societies  of  Odd  Fellows  and  Free  Masons."  *  *  *  One  of  the  me- 
morials, which  gave  rise  to  the  action  of  last  year,  asked  the  Assembly 
"to  declare  distinctly,  by  name,  what  societies  or  associations  are  pro- 
hibited by  the  aforesaid  article."  This  was,  no  doubt,  considered  im- 
practicable, and  as  there  could  be  no  doubt  as  to  the  associations  of  Odd 
Fellows  and  Free  Masons  coming  within  the  scope  of  the  article,  and 
as  these  are  the  most  powerful,  and,  no  doubt,  the  most  dangerous  secret 
associations  in  the  country,  we  understand  the  object  of  the  last  Assem- 
bly to  have  been,  to  direct  the  attention  of  Sessions  especially  to  them, 
without  intending  to  restrict  Sessions  in  the  exercise  of  discipline,  when- 
ever the  principle  of  the  article  in  question  is  violated.  The  adoption 
of  the  following  resolution,  which  is  recommended  by  the  committee,  is 
all  that  seems  needful  on  the  subject : 

Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  the  last  Assembly 
did  not  and  could  not  intend  by  their  action  to  alter  or  limit,  without 
overture,  the  principle  of  our  Testimony  on  the  subject  of  secret 
societies.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  154,  1870. 

4.  Odd  Fellows. — "  Does  Article  XVth  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Testimony  condemn  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  are 
Sessions  to  require,  as  a  condition  of  admission  to  the  church  from  those 
who  are  connected  therewith,  that  they  withdraw  from  said  Order?" 
Your  committee  have  no  hesitation  in  giving  an  affirmative  answer  to 
this  inquiry.  Those  who  become  or  continue  members  of  this  society 
not  only  violate  the  declaration  in  the  Testimony,  but  also  act  in  oppo- 
sition to  the  unquestionable  scriptural  doctrine  laid  down  in  the  Confes- 
sion of  Faith,  chapter  22,  «'0f  lawful  oaths  and  vows."  Vol.  I,  p.  112, 
1860. 

In  reply  to  the  third  point  in  the  memorial  we  refer  to  the  report  of 


2»2  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

the  Judicial  Committee  of  the  Assembly  of  1860.  The  Assembly  de- 
clared it  to  be  the  duty  of  Sessions  to  require,  as  a  condition  of  admis- 
sion to  the  church,  that  persons  connected  with  the  Order  of  Odd  Fellows 
withdraw  from  their  connection,  and  that  those  who  become  or  continue 
members  of  this  society  not  only  violate  the  declaration  in  the  Testi- 
mony, but  also  act  in  opposition  to  the  unquestionably  scriptural  doc- 
trines laid  down  in  the  Confession,  chapter  22.  The  same  remarks 
apply  with  equal  force  and  obligation  with  respect  to  all  other  secret 
societies  against  which  we  testify.  All  that  is  requisite  to  secure  uni- 
formity is  that  Sessions  faithfully  apply  the  principles  of  the  church 
according  to  their  obligations.     Vol.  I,  p.  3oG,  1862. 

5.  Patrons  of  Husbandry. — [Two  memorials  were  before  the 
Assembly,  the  first  asking  a  definite  answer  to  the  question:  "  Is  mem- 
bership in  the  society  known  as  the  Patrons  of  Husbandry  contrary  to 
the  XVth  Article  of  the  Testimony,  and  inconsistent  with  membership 
in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  ?"  The  second  asking  the  Assembly 
to  give  such  instruction  to  the  inferior  courts  as  will  be  best  calculated 
to  secure  uniform  action  throughout  the  church,  and  strengthen  the 
hands  of  those  who  are  disposed  faithfully  to  administer  the  principles 
of  the  church  on  the  subject  of  secret  societies.  The  following  was  the 
action  taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  memorialists  be  referred  to  the  action  of  the 
Assembly  of  1869  on  the  subject  of  secret  societies,  and  that  this  Assem- 
bly re-affirm  the  third  resolution  of  said  action,  which  is  as  follows : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  do  most  earnestly  and  affectionately 
exhort  all  the  members  of  this  church  to  abstain  from  connecting  them- 
selves v.'itii  any  secret  associations,  believing  that  they  are  unnecessary, 
and  are  calculated  to  operate  injuriously  on  the  interests  of  society,  and 
they  do  especially  urge  the  ministers  and  elders  of  this  church  to  use 
their  influence  to  keep  our  members  from  an  incorporation  with  them." 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  539,  1873. 

Resolved,  1.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  the  members  of  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church  to  free  themselves  from  all  connection  with  tiie  Order 
of  Patrons  of  Husbandry,  where  such  connection  has  I»een  made. 

2.  That  those  of  our  people  who  may  be  connected  with  the  Order  are 
hereby  most  earnestly  entreated  to  remember  that  by  their  profession 
they  have  come  under  solemn  obligations  to  Christ  to  oppose  secret 
societies. 

3.  That  in  case  of  obstinate  adherence  to  the  order,  it  will  be  the 
duty  of  Sessions  to  use  their  authority  in  the  way  of  discipline.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  40,  1874. 

6.  Union  Leagues. — As  your  committee  have  not  the  necessary 
evidence  before  them,  they  are  not  prepared  to  express  a  judgment  on 
the  question  whether  the  practice  of  the  Union  League  is  contrary  to 
the  rule  of  this  church  in  regard  to  secret  societies ;  and,  therefore, 
recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  XVth  Article  of  our  Declaration  and  Testimony, 
which  relates  to  secret  societies,  is  sufficiently  explicit  and  comprehen- 
sive, and  that  the  application  of  its  principles  belongs  primarily  to  the 
church  Sessions  and  Presbyteries.     Vol.  II,  p.  30,  1864. 

7.  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. — [The  Presbytery  of  Keokuk 


SECRET    SOCIETIES.  283 

by  memorial  asked  for  a  deliverance  as  to  the  lawfulness  of  membprship 
in  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  The  qwestion  was  referred  to  a 
committee  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  Vol.  VI,  p.  14,  1884.  The 
report  of  the  committee  was  adopted  as  follows  :] 

The  question  submitted  to  your  committee  is  as  follows  :  '<  Is  mem- 
bership in  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  consistent  with  Article  XV 
of  the  Testimony  ?"  According  to  our  understanding  of  this  article, 
that  only  is  in  opposition  to  the  principles  contained  therein  wliich  re- 
quires an  unwarrantable  use  of  an  oath,  or  in  which  an  obligation  is  im- 
posed, the  real  nature  and  effect  of  which  are  not  understood  at  the 
time  it  is  assumed. 

Your  committee  would  answer  the  proposed  question  as  follows,  viz.  : 
That  whilst  there  are  minor  points  of  likeness  in  this  association  to  the 
class  of  secret  orders  against  which  Article  XV  of  the  Testimony  is  in- 
tended to  operate,  yet  tlie  law  does  not  clearly  cover  the  case  of  mem- 
bership in  the  Grand  Army;  because  there  is  nothing  in  the  obligation 
imposed,  or  in  the  manner  of  administering  it,  that  partakes  of  the 
nature  of  an  oath.  Neither  is  the  conscience  bound  by  an  unknown 
code  of  laws,  because  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  association  are 
open  to  the  inspection  of  every  one  proposing  to  become  a  member. 

There  remains,  however,  the  fact  that  its  ritual  and  some  other 
things  are  to  be  kept  secret,  in  consequence  of  which  it  has  an  appear- 
ance of  the  evils  opposed  by  the  law,  and  also  something  of  a  tendency 
to  weaken,  rather  than  strengthen,  the  efforts  of  the  Church  to  defend 
those  principles.  Tiierefore,  in  order  to  avoid  the  very  appearance  of 
evil,  we  think  it  is  wise  and  proper  to  counsel  the  members  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  to  stand  aloof  from  this  and  all  similar  as- 
sociations. 

Your  committee,  therefore,  submit  for  adoption  the  following: 

Resolved,  That  the  answer  and  counsel  contained  in  this  paper  be 
and  hereby  is  adopted,  as  expressing  the  views  of  this  Assembly  in  re- 
lation to  membership  in  the  Grand  Army.     Vol.  VI,  p.  297,  1885. 

8.  Junior  Order  of  United  American  Mechanics.— [The  Beaver 

Valley  Presbytery  asked  the  General  Assembly  to  decide  whether  con- 
nection -with  the  Junior  Order  of  United  American  Mechanics  is  con- 
sistent with  the  Fifteenth  Article  of  our  Testimony. 1 

Resolved,  'J'hat  the  memorialist  be  referred  to  the  Minutes  of  the  As- 
sembly of  1885,  in  reference  to  similar  associations,  as  our  answer  to 
this  petition.     Vol.  VII,  p.  631,  1891. 

9.  Knights  of  Labor. — The  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures,  to 
which  was  referred  the  memorial  of  the  Presbytery,  of  Albany,  finds  it 
impossible  to  report  anything  of  a  decided  character  in  regard  to  those 
associations  known  as  "  Knights  of  Labor,"  and  other  kindred  associ- 
ations, because  we  have  no  adequate  knowledge  of  their  true  character, 
or  of  the  forms  and  extent  of  the  obligations  which  are  assumed  at  the 
time  of  initiation. 

There  is,  however,  too  much  reason  to  believe  that  these  associations 
require  a  surrender  of  personal  liberty  to  act  in  accordance  with  the  in- 
dividual's own  conscience  of  right  and  wrong,  and  hence  are  an  en- 
tanglement and  a  snare,  which  we  earnestly  counsel  all  our  members  to 
avoid. 


284  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Your  committee  would  have  the  Assembly  direct  all  our  sessions  to 
carry  out  the  rules  of  our  church  in  dealing  with  any  members  who 
have  joined,  or  who  may  be  about  to  join,  any  of  the  associations  in 
question,  as  they  shall  obtain  such  positive  information  as  will  enable 
them  to  act  intellisently  in  the  case. 

"VVe  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  we  enjoin  upon  all  our  members  to  abstain  from  con- 
nection with  any  association  which  might  lead  to  acts  of  violence,  or  to 
the  invasion  of  the  rights  of  property,  or  interference  with  the  liberty  of 
men  to  engage  in  honest  labor  where  and  when,  and  for  whomsoever 
they  may  choose.     Vol.  VI,  p.  43G,  1886. 

CXIV.     SLAVERY. 

1.  The  Rebellion  the  Result  of  Slavery.— /Besofoerf,  l.  That  in 

the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  tliis  wicked  rebellion,  which  imperils 
the  existence  of  the  government,  which  aims  to  found  a  confederacy 
upon  the  ruins  of  crushed  humanity,  and  which  brutally  assassinates 
and  murders  our  fellow-citizens,  is  pre-eminently  the  result  of  the 
practical  workings  of  American  slavery.     Vol.  I,  \).  3G4,  1862. 

2.  The  Emancipation  of  Slaves. — The  committee  appointed  to 
confer  with  a  similar  committee  from  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Church  in  relation  to  petitioning  Congress  on  the  subject 
of  the  emancipation  of  the  slaves,  recommend  as  the  result  of  their  joint 
meeting  the  adoption  of  the  following  petition,  to  be  signed  by  the 
moderator  and  clerk  of  each  body,  and  transmitted  to  the  Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

"To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States 
in  Congress  assembled  :  The  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presby- 
terian Church,  now  in  session  in  the  city  of  Pittsburgh,  Pa.,  and  the 
Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Church,  now  in  session  in  the 
city  of  Allegheny,  Pa.,  believing  that  the  holding  of  human  beings  as 
slaves  is  a  sin  against  the  God  of  heaven,  a  manifest  transgression  of 
the  law  of  him  who  came  to  preach  deliverance  to  the  captives,  a  gross 
violation  of  the  rights  of  man,  utterly  irreconcilable  with  the  principles 
of  human  liberty,  destructive  of  the  best  interests  of  the  land,  a  foul 
blot  upon  the  national  escutcheon,  a  prime  cause  of  the  existing 
atrocious  rebellion,  and  if  continued,  a  sure  provocative  of  farther  and 
greater  judgments  of  God  upon  the  nation,  would  earnestly  appeal  to 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States  to  adopt  at  once  all  the  measures 
competent  to  it  to  secure  the  immediate  emanci})ation  of  all  human 
beings  now  held  in  this  oppressive  and  degrading  bondage  in  any  part 
of  this  land,  and,  so  tar  as  such  an  act  of  justice  may  avail,  avert  the 
just  indignation  of  God  Most  High,  and  secure  the  United  States  from 
the  recurrence  of  any  similar  iniquitous  assault  upon  our  national  civi- 
lization and  liberties." 

Resolved,  That  the  foregoing  action  be  transmitted  to  the  Reformed 
Presbyterian  Synod  now  in  session.     Vol.  I,  p.  363,  1862. 

Resolved,  That  without  expressing  any  judgment  on  the  military  im- 
portance or  necessity,  or  the  statesmanlike  character,  of  the  emancipa- 
tion proclamation  of  President  Lincoln,  we  hail  it  as  obedience  to  the 


SPEERS'    ESTATE.  285 

voice  of  God,  calling  us,  as  he  did  his  ancient  people,  "  Let  the 
oppressed  go  free,  and  break  every  yoke."     Vol.  II,  p.  31,  1864. 

3.  The  Use  of  Money  Derived  from  the  Sale  of  Slaves.— 

[Certain  members  of  the  United  Presbyterian  congregation  of  Calcutta 
received  money  derived  from  the  sale  of  an  estate  in  the  State  of 
Louisiana,  consisting  mainly  in  slaves.  The  amount  received  was  too 
small  to  purchase  and  liberate  any  of  the  slaves  sold.  The  Session 
asked  the  Assembly,  "  Can  they,  without  a  violation  of  the  rules  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church,  appropriate  the  monev  to  their  own 
use?"] 

Resolved,  That  those  members  of  the  Calcutta  congregation,  who 
have  received  money  derived  from  the  sale  of  slaves,  be  directed  to  de- 
vote it,  according  to  their  best  judgments,  to  the  benefit  of  the  colored 
race.     Vol.  I,  p.  234,  1861. 

CXV.     SMYTH'S  APPEAL. 

[Rev.  Charles  B.  Smyth,  of  the  Presbytery  of  New  York,  appealed 
from  a  decision  of  the  Synod  of  New  Y''ork,  and  accompanied  the  appeal 
with  a  complaint.  He  was  unable  to  be  present,  and  the  Assembly 
appointed  a  member  to  represent  him.  The  Assembly  referred  the  case 
to  a  commission.  Vol.  VI,  p.  422,  1886.  The  commission  reported  its 
proceedings,  and  the  Assembly  adopted  the  following  report  of  the 
Judiciary  Committee :] 

We  have  examined  the  action  of  the  commission,  and  find  the  pro- 
ceedings, which  are  herewith  transmitted,  regular,  and  that  said  com- 
mission did  not  exceed  its  powers.  We  would  therefore  recommend 
that  the  proceedings  be  inserted  in  the  records  of  the  Assembly.  Vol. 
VI,  p.  664,  1887.  [For  the  Minutes  of  the  commission  see  p.  688, 
1887.     The  finding  of  the  commission  in  the  case  is  as  follows :] 

"  The  commission  having  carefully  examined  the  papers  sent  up  to 
them  from  the  Synod  and  the  Presbytery  of  New  York  in  the  case,  find 
that  there  has  been  a  want  of  regularity  in  the  proceedings  of  the  Pres- 
bytery of  New  York,  particularly  in  passing  a  sentence  of  suspension 
upon  Mr.  C.  B.  Smyth  without  having  first  instituted  judicial  process 
and  giving  Mr.  Smyth  the  benefit  of  a  regular  trial,  and  also  in  failing 
to  send  up  a  full  written  record  of  the  evidence  on  which  that  sentence 
was  based.  The  commission,  therefore,  without  passing  any  judgment 
as  to  the  merits  of  the  case,  is  compelled  to  sustain  the  appeal  on  the 
ground  of  want  of  regularity  in  the  proceedings  of  the  Presbytery." 
Vol.  VI,  p.  689,  1887. 

CXVI.  SPEERS'  ESTATE. 

[Action  concerning  the  Speers'  estate  was  taken  by  the  Assemblies 
of  1870,  1879,  1880,  1890,  and  1891.  For  references  concerning  the 
transfer  of  the  estate  to  the  General  Assembly  by  the  Associate  Synod, 
see  Associate  Synod.  The  following  memorial  of  the  executors  of  the 
estate  of  Daniel  Speers  to  the  Assembly  gives  a  full  history  of  all  pro- 
ceedings in  the  case :] 

The  executors  of  the  last  will  and  testament  of  Daniel  Speers,  de- 
ceased, would  respectfully  represent  that  they  need  some  action  on  the 


286  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLT. 

part  of  this  General  Assembly,  in  order  to  the  final  settlement  of  the 
estate  of  Mr.  Speers,  and  they  request  that  needed  action  be  taken. 

The  following  recital  of  facts  will  enable  the  General  Assembly  to 
determine  what  should  be  done  in  the  case  : 

Mr.  Speers  died  July  21,  1841.  The  sixth  and  seventh  sections  of 
his  will,  bearing  date  January  16,  1841,  and  probated  August  10,  1841, 
are  as  follows  : 

"  Sixthly,  I  will  and  request  that  my  real  estate  be  supported  in  good 
order  and  condition  for  the  term  of  fifty  years,  and  shall  be  kept  in- 
sured, and  if  destroyed  to  be  rebuilt,  and  tlie  balance  and  residue  of  my 
estate,  real,  personal  and  mixed,  after  provision  being  made  for  the 
payment  of  tiie  bequests  and  expenses  before  named,  I  will  and  bequeath 
to  the  Reverend  Synod  of  the'  Secession  Church,  of  which  body  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Robert  Bruce  is  a  member,  and  the  proceeds  and  avails  thereof 
to  be  applied  to  the  spread  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  here  and  else- 
where, and  for  tiie  support  of  pious  young  men  wiio  may  need  assistance 
while  preparing  for  the  gosjiel  ministry,  in  such  a  way  as  said  Synod 
may  consider  will  best  advance  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  and  at  the  end 
of  said  fifty  years  the  executors  then  acting  under  this  will  shall  sell  and 
dispose  of  my  real  estate,  and  the  proceeds  shall  be  appropriated  to  the 
above  purposes  for  the  objects  before  named,  in  such  way  and  manner 
as  the  said  Synod  at  a  regular  meeting  thereof,  or  a  General  Assembly, 
if  such  should  tlien  exist,  embracing  said  Synod,  shall  direct. 

"  Lastly,  I  nominate  and  appoint  Dr.  Robert  Bruce,  Rev.  James 
Rodgers,  and  Rev.  James  Ramsey  (members  in  said  Synod),  John 
Graham,  Esq.,  William  Bell,  and  Samuel  George  (the  first  named  two 
being  elders  in  that  connection),  and  Malcolm  Leech  (an  elder  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church),  executors  of  this  my  last  will  and  testament, 
and  request  that  they  shall  meet,  at  least  once  every  year,  to  transact 
the  necessary  business,  any  four  or  more  of  whom,  two  being  ministers, 
shall  be  qualified  to  do  business,  and  on  the  death,  resignation,  or  re- 
moval from  the  bounds  of  the  sphere  of  action  of  any  of  said  executors, 
from  time  to  time,  the  survivors  are  requested  and  empowered  to  supply 
such  vacancy  by  a  vole  at  any  regular  meeting  or  meetings  called  for  the 
purpose,  and  the  person  or  persons  so  selected,  keeping  the  same  pro- 
portion of  ministers  and  elders,  shall  be  clothed  with  the  same  powers 
as  the  executors  above  named,  and  this  will  keep  up  a  living  board  of 
executors  until  the  provisions  of  this  my  last  will  and  testament  shall 
be  fulfilled." 

The  annual  income  of  the  estate,  till  the  union  of  1858,  was  paid  to 
the  treasurer  of  the  Associate  Synod.     From  the  time  of  the  union  till 
1870,  the  yearly  income  was  still  paid  to  the  treasurer  of  said  Synod. 
The  Associate  Synod,  at  a  meeting  in   1870,  took  the  following  action 
with  reference  to  the  Speers  estate.     (Minutes,  Vol.  Ill,  page  135.) 

"To  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church: 
We  are  instructed  by  the  Associate  Synod  to  lay  before  you,  for  your 
consideration,  the  action  of  said  Synod  on  the  subjects  of  the  Theologi- 
cal Seminary  and  funds,  so  far  as  it  relates  to  the  transfer  of  said  inter- 
ests to  your  care  and  supervision. 

I.  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  Board  rf  Trustees  of  the  Associate 
Synod  be  directed  to  pay  over  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Board  of  Trus- 


SPEERS'    ESTATE.  287 

tees  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Geneial  Assembly,  the  accrued  rents 
and  interests  of  the  Sjjeers  estate,  and  hereafter  tiiese  rents  and  inter- 
ests, as  they  may  accrue,  to  be  employed  in  the  manner  following:  One- 
third  part  in  the  aid  of  the  cause  of  Plome  and  Foreign  Missions,  and 
two-third  parts  to  be  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Board  of  Education, 
to  be  used  in  accordance  with  the  rules  and  regulations  of  said  Board. 
*****  Provided,  that  in  the  distribution  of  that  part  of  the  inter- 
est of  the  Speers  estate  which  is  appropriated  to  the  aid  of  students 
having  the  ministry  in  view,  if  one  or  more  of  the  Theological  Semin- 
aries now  under  I  he  care  of  the  Synods  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  shall  be  put  under  the  care  and  management  of  the  General 
Assembly,  then  the  students  in  attendance  at  said  Seminary,  shall  have 
the  preference  in  receiving  assistance.  And,  provided  further,  that  in 
case  neither  of  these  institutions  be  given  to  the  General  Assembly  and 
the  Assembly  should  deem  it  wise  to  establish  a  Seminary  under  its 
OAvn  care  and  control,  then  the  students  in  attendance  at  said  Seminary 
shall  have  the  preference  in  receiving  assistance.   *   *   * 

III.  That  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Associate  Synod,  being  the 
only  body  invested  with  legal  powers  to  make  the  transfer  of  property 
and  funds  contemplated  in  the  above  resolutions,  the  appointment  by  the 
Synod  last  year  of  a  committee  of  five  to  adjust  and  settle  its  financial 
affairs,  is  hereby  rescinded. 

By  order  of  the  Associate  Synod, 

J.  T.  Broavxlee,  Moderator. 
R.  H.  Pollock,  Chrh." 
The  above  action  of  the  Synod  was  reported  to  the  General  Assembly, 
when  the  following  action    was    taken  :     (Minutes,  Volume  III,  naf^e 
141.)  ^    ^ 

"  The  Committee  on  Finance  report  that  the  Associate  Svnod  has  di- 
rected the  Board  of  Trustees  of  that  Synod  to  pay  over  to  "the  Trustees 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  the  ac- 
crued rents  and  interests  of  the  Speers  estate,  and  the  money  that  may 
accrue  hei-eafter  from  these  sources  ;  that  the  appropriation  of  these 
moneys  shall  be  one- third  to  Home  and  Foreign  Missions,  and  two- 
thirds  to  the  Board  of  Education  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 
Your  committee  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolutions  : 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  most  thankfully  accepts  the  generous  appropriation  of  the 
moneys  arising  from  tlie  accrued  rents  and  interest  of  the  Speers  estate. 

2.  That  the  Trustees  of  this  General  Assembly  be  directed  to  receive 
and  receipt  for  these  funds. 

3.  That  the  Board  of  Trustees  be  instructed  to  pay  over  to  the  Board 
of  Education  two-thirds  of  the  moneys  thus  received,  and  that  the  re- 
maining one-third  be  divided  as  follows  :  Two  fifths  to  tlie  Board  of 
Home  Missions  and  three-fifths  to  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions." 

Some  time  about  the  beginning  of  1872,  the  executors  learned  that 
the  persons  commonly  called  "  Protesters,"  were  making  preparation  to 
enter  suit  against  them,  and  it  was  thought  unwise  to  pay  over  any 
more  money  till  the  threatened  suit  was  decided.  In  due  time  the  suit 
was  brought,  and  by  a  decision  of  the  Orphans'  Court  of  Allegheny 
County,  Pa.,  affirmed  by  the  Supreme  Court  of  Pennsylvania,  Novem- 


288  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

ber  18,  1878,  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America  was 
declared  to  be  the  legitimate  successor  of  the  Associate  Church,  so  far 
as  rights  of  property  and  trust  relations  were  concerned,  and  ihe  execu- 
tors were  ordered  to  pay  the  funds  accruing  from  the  Speers  estate  to 
the  "Trustees  of  the  Synod  of  the  Associate  Presbyterian  Church  of 
North  America,  subject  to  the  control  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  North  America,  for  the  purpose  of  the  trust  created  by  the 
will  of  Daniel  Speers,  deceased." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Associate  Synod,  in  1879,  the  following  action 
was  taken  :   [Minutes,  Volume'  Y,  page  84.] 

"  To  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  in  ses- 
sion at  New   Wilmington,  May  30,  1879  : 

The  Associate  Synod,  by  its  unanimous  action  at  tlie  above  named 
place  and  date,  agreed  to  present  to  the  Assembly  the  following  repre- 
sentation, viz.;  A  number  of  years  prior  to  tiie  formation  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  by  the  union  of  1858,  a  considerable  legacy  was 
bequeathed  to  the  Associate  Church  by  one  Daniel  Speers,  of  Pitts- 
burgh ;  and  one  of  the  objects  specified  in  the  bequest  was  '  the  educa- 
tion of  pious  young  men  for  the  ministry.'  The  Associate  Synod,  in 
order  strictly  to  carry  out  the  above  named  object,  did  for  some  years 
prior  to  the  union  pay  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Associate  Theological 
Seminary,  located  at  Canonsburg,  and  afterward  at  Xenia,  that  portion 
of  said  legacy  devoted  to  the  education  of  young  men  for  the  ministry. 
These  payments  continued  for  more  than  ten  years  after  the  union. 
About  the  year  18G0,  at  the  request  of  the  Associate  Synod,  the  Second 
Synod  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  assumed  the  educational  con- 
trol of  said  Seminary,  with  the  understanding  that  said  funds  had  been 
annually  paid  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Seminary,  and  the  expectation  that 
the  payment  would  be  continued,  which  expectation  was  realized  up  to 
the  year  1870.  In  the  year  18GG,  and  annually  thereafter  till  1870, 
the  sum  paid  from  this  fund  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Seminary  was 
$1,000.  At  a  meeting  of  the  Associate  Synod  in  1870,  without  any 
recognition  of  the  claims  of  the  Seminary,  or  obligation  to  the  Second 
Synod,  which  the  Associate  Synod  had  requested  to  assume  the  educa- 
tional control  of  the  Seminary,  the  fund  was  paid  over  to  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  with  the  request  that  it  should  be  appropriated 
annually  to  the  Board  of  Education.  The  Associate  Synod  is  now 
convinced  that  its  action  was  witliout  due  consideration,  and  that  by  it 
injustice  was  done,  not  only  to  the  Seminary  at  Xenia,  but  to  the 
Second  Synod,  which  was  compelled  to  bear  the  principal  burden  of 
conducting  the  Seminary.  This  Synod  also  believes  it  to  be  more  in 
accordance  with  the  design  of  the  will  of  the  late  Daniel  Speers,  that 
the  fund  should  be  appropriated  to  the  Theological  Seminaries  of  the 
Church.  In  this  belief  the  Associate  Church,  originally  entrusted  with 
this  legacy,  appropriated  its  proceeds  to  her  Seminary  for  many  years 
prior  to  the  union.  These  proceeds  now  amount  annually  to  the  sum 
of  $2,000.  The  Associate  Synod,  therefore,  respectfully  request  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  to  consider  the 
matter  here  presented,  and  if  in  accordance  with  her  wisdom  to  adopt 
the  following  resolution,  or  something  equivalent  thereto,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  the   Board  of  Education  be  directed  to  pay  to  the 


SPEERS'    ESTATE.  289 

Trustees  of  Xenia  Theological  Seminary,  out  of  the  funds  of  the  Speers 
estate,  transferred  to  them  by  the  Associate  Synod  in  1870,  the  sum  of 
$1,000  annually,  to  be  used  in  assisting  pious  young  men  in  prepara- 
tion for  the  gospel  ministry. 

Respectfully  submitted  by  order  of  the  Synod, 

D.  "W.  Collins,  Moderator. 
James  Price,  Clerk  pro  tern." 

On  this  request,  the  General  Assembly  took  the  following  action : 
(Minutes,  Vol.  V,  Page  38.) 

"Your  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  communication  of  the 
Associate  Synod  in  reference  to  a  disposition  of  a  portion  of  the  pro- 
ceeds of  the  Speers  estate,  would  respectfully  submit  the  following: 

Whereas,  The  Associate  Synod  has  by  a  unanimous  vote  requested 
this  Assembly  to  place  a  portion  of  the  proceeds  of  the  Speers  estate 
at  the  disposal  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Xenia,  for  the  support  of 
pious  young  men  who  may  need  assistance  while  preparing  for  the 
gospel  ministry,  as  per  the  terms  of  the  will  of  the  late  Daniel  Speers; 
and 

Whereas,  These  funds  were  bequeathed  to  the  Synod  of  the  Secession 
Church  by  the  said  Daniel  Speers,  and  by  the  said  Synod  transferred 
to  the  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  in  1870;  and 

Whereas,  It  may  be  presumed  that  the  late  Daniel  Speers  had  in 
view  the  Theological  Seminary  of  the  Secession  Church,  then  located 
at  Canonsburg,  the  channel  through  which  needy  candidates  for  the 
ministry  should  receive  the  benefit  of  his  legacy ;  and 

Whereas,  The  said  Seminary  did  receive  and  pay  out  to  her  students 
the  portion  of  the  legacy  intended  for  such  purpose,  many  years  prior  to 
the  transfer  of  these  funds  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church;  and 

Whereas,  More  than  $10,000  of  accrued  interest  have  been  paid  over 
to  the  Board  of  Education  by  the  Trustees  of  the  Speers  estate ;  there- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Board  of  Education  be  directed  to  pay  over  to  the 
Board  of  Trustees  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Theological  Seminary  at 
Xenia,  Ohio,  the  sum  of  $6,000  out  of  the  funds  received  by  said  Board 
of  Education  from  the  Speers  estate,  to  be  held  by  said  Board  of 
Trustees  of  Theological  Seminary  as  a  permanent  fund,  the  income 
ONLY  of  which  shall  be  used  for  the  support  of  pious  young  men  who 
may  need  assistance  while  preparing  for  the  gospel  ministry,  in  strict 
compliance  with  the  terms  of  the  will  of  the  late  Daniel  Speers,  by 
which  will  these  funds  have  reached  the  Church." 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Associate  Synod  in  1880,  the  following  action 
was  taken :  (Minutes,  Vol.  V,  page  249.) 

"The  following  action  was  taken  by  the  Associate  Synod  at  its  meet- 
ing this  day,  and  directed  to  be  transmitted  to  your  body  for  informa- 
tion : 

Whereas,  The  General  Assembly  of  last  year,  in  response  to  the 
action  of  the  Associate  Synod,  requesting  that  the  Board  of  Education 
be  directed  to  pay  over  to  the  Trustees  of  Xenia  Theological  Seminary 
the  sum  of  $1,000  annually,  for  the  purpose  of  assisting  pious  young 
men  preparing  for  the  gospel  ministry,  from  the  proceeds  of  the  Speers 
19 


290  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

estate  transferred  to  it  by  the  action  of  the  Associate  Synod  in  1870, 
instead  of  complyinji  with  said  request,  ordered  tiie  Board  to  make  an 
absolute  transfer  of  $6,000  of  its  fund  derived  from  said  estate;  and 

Whereas,  Said  request  was  made  under  a  misapprehension  in  regard 
to  the  action  of  Synod  in  1870,  the  minutes  not  being  present;  and 

Whereas,  The  action  of  the  last  Assembly  may  cause  some  embarrass- 
ment to  the  Board  of  Education ;  therefore, 

Resolved,  1.  That  while  gratefully  acknowledging  the  kindness  of  the 
Assembly  and  the  Board  in  acceding  so  far  to  the  request  of  Synod,  yet 
the  Synod  deems  it  expedient,  and  hereby  does  request  the  Trustees  of 
the  Xenia  Theological  Seminary  to  return  the  $6,000  received  from  the 
JBoard  of  Education. 

2.  That  the  Treasurer  of  Synod  is  hereby  directed  to  pay  one-third 
part  of  the  proceeds  of  the  Speers  estate  in  the  manner  following,  viz.: 
First,  $1,000  from  this  one-third  part  to  the  Trustees  of  the  Theolo- 
gical Seminary  at  Allegheny  to  aid  in  erecting  a  dormitory  in  connec- 
tion with  said  Seminary  ;  provided,  however,  that  the  title  to  said  dor- 
mitory be  vested  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  ;  and  secondly,  the 
entire  aforesaid  one-third  part  thereafter,  until  otlierwise  ordered,  to  the 
Trustees  of  the  Theological  Seminary  at  Xenia,  to  be  used  in  aiding 
pious  young  men  preparing  for  the  gospel  ministry. 

3.  That  so  much  of  the  action  of  the  Synod  in  1870  as  is  inconsistent 
with  the  above  resolutions  be  and  hereby  is  repealed. 

By  order  of  the  Synod, 

J.  G.  Carson,  Stated  Clerk." 

This  paper  was  heard  by  tlie  General  Assembly,  and  ordered  to  be 
published  in  the  Minutes,  but  the  Assembly  took  no  further  action. 
(Minutes,  Vol.  V,  page  200.) 

During  all  the  time  since  the  union  of  1858  the  executors  have  been 
paying  the  annual  proceeds  of  the  estate  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Asso- 
ciate Synod.  While  our  past  action  is  in  accord  with  the  terms  of  the 
union  of  1858  and  the  order  of  the  civil  courts,  yet  it  seems  to  us  proper 
that  it  should  be  confirmed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  that  we  may  conform  more  distinctly  with  the 
terms  of  tlie  will. 

The  fifty  years,  at  the  close  of  which,  according  to  the  will  of  Mr. 
Speers,  the  property  is  to  be  sold,  will  expire  July  21,  1891 ;  and  before 
the  meeting  of  the  next  General  Assembly  arrangements  for  its  sale 
should  be  in  progress.  No  directions  have  been  given  for  the  sale  of 
the  real  estate  and  other  assets,  and  for  the  distribution  of  the  proceeds. 
The  will  provides  that  this  should  be  done  "  in  such  way  and  manner  as 
the  said  Synod  at  a  regular  meeting  thereof,  or  a  General  Assembly,  if 
such  should  then  exist,  embracing  said  Synod,  shall  direct."  It  seems 
to  us  that  this  General  Assembly  should  give  such  directions. 

It  is  probable,  if  there  is  during  the  next  year  no  unusual  depression 
in  business,  that  the  estate  will  amount  to  upwards  of  $100,000. 

We,  therefore,  under  the  advice  of  our  attorneys,  request  the  General 
Assembly  in  order  to  carry  out  the  terms  of  the  will,  to  adopt  resolu- 
tions substantially  as  follows : 

1.  That  the  payments  by  the  executors  under  the  last  will  and  testa- 
ment of  Daniel  Speers,  deceased,  of  the  annual  income  of  the  estate  to 


SPEEUS'    ESTATE.  291 

the  Treasurer  of  the  Associate  Synod  heretofore,  be,  and  the  same  are 
lierebv  approved  and  confirmed. 

2.  That  the  said  executors  be,  and  are  hereby  requested  and  directed 
t©  carry  out  the  terms  of  the  said  will,  by  the  sale  of  the  real  estate  and 
other  assets  of  the  estate  of  Daniel  Speers,  at  the  termination  of  the 
period  fixed  by  him,  at  such  time  or  times,  at  either  public  or  private 
sale,  and  for  such  price  or  prices,  and  upon  such  terms  as  thev  in  their 
discretion  may  deem  ri^ht  and  proper,  either  witli  or  without  any  order 
of  the  Orphans'  Court  of  Allegheny  County,  Pennsylvania,  as  the  same 
may  or  may  not  be  deemed  necessary. 

3.  That  the  said  executors  be  directed  hereafter  to  pay  the  said  an- 
nual income,  and  also  the  net  proceeds  arising  from  the  sale  of  the  said 
real  estate  and  other  assets,  directly  to  the  objects  named  in  said  will, 
and  in  such  way  and  manner  as  this  General  Assembly  may  direct,  in 
strict  compliance  with  the  terms  of  the  will.     Vol.  VII,  p.  508,  1890 

[The  following  is  the  action  of  the  Assembly,  taken'  on  the  recom- 
mendation of  a  special  committee  to  whom  the  above  memorial  was  re- 
ferred:) 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  payments  by  the  executors  under  the  last  will 
and  testament  of  Daniel  Speers,  deceased,  of  the  annual  income  of  the 
estate  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Associate  Svnod  heretofore,  be  and  the 
same  are  hereby  approved  and  confirmed. 

2.  That  the  said  executors  b  and  are  hereby  requested  and  directed 
to  carry  out  the  terms  of  the  said  will  bv  the  sale  of  the  real  estate  and 
other  assets  of  the  estate  of  said  Daniel  Speers,  at  the  termination  of  the 
period  fixed  by  him,  at  such  time  or  times,  at  either  public  or  private 
sale,  and  for  such  price  or  prices,  and  upon  such  terms  as  they  in  their 
discretion  may  deem  right  and  proper,  either  with  or  without  any  order 
of  the  Orphans'  Court  of  Allegheny  County,  Pennsylvania,  as  the  same 
may  or  may  not  be  deemed  necessary. 

3.  That  the  said  executors  be  directed  to  compute  the  entire  proceeds 
of  the  Speers  bequest,  from  the  time  at  which  the  Assembly  assumed 
control  of  rents  and  interests  in  1870  to  the  final  settlement  of  the  estate 
(said  computation  to  include  the  annual  income  from  May,  1870,  and 
also  the  net  proceeds  arising  from  the  sale  of  said  real  estate  and  other 
assets),  and  to  make  such  a  distribution  of  these  entire  proceeds,  past 
and  future,  as  will  give  to  the  Boards  of  Forei-n  Missions,  Home  Mis- 
sions, Church  Extension,  and  Freedmen's  Missions  one-half  of  the 
whole,  that  IS,  to  each  of  these  Boards  one-eighth  of  the  whole  ;  and  as 
will  give  also  the  other  half  of  said  entire  proceeds,  past  and  future,  to 
the  Board  of  Education,  Xenia  Theological  Seminary,  and  Allegheny 
Iheological  Seminary,  that  is  to  each  of  these  institutions  one-sixth  of 
the  whole,  to  be  by  said  Board  of  Education  and  Directors  and  Man- 
agers of  said  seminaries  applied  for  the  support  of  pious  young  men  who 
may  need  assistance  while  preparing  for  the  gospel  minis'try.  ^Vol  VII 
p.  420,  1890.  ■^  ' 

[Memorials  from  the  Directors  of  the  Xenia  Theological  Seminary 
and  the  Associate  Synod,  asking  a  change  in  the  distribution  of  the 
proceeds  of  the  Speers  estate,  were  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
l^inance,  and  the  following  report  of  the  committee  was  adopted  by  the 
Assembly :]  •' 


292  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Two  communications  have  been  presented  to  the  Assembly,  with  a 
view  to  tlie  distribution  of  the  Speers  estate,  difl'erent  from  that  ordered 
by  the  last  Assembly.  One  of  them  comes  as  a  memorial  from  the 
Board  of  Manajjers  of  the  Xenia  Theological  Seminary,  through  a  com- 
mittee appointed  by  said  Board  to  prepare  and  forward  it.  It  demurs 
to  the  retrospective  feature  in  the  plan  of  distribution  adopted  by  the  last 
Assembly,  and  asks,  for  various  reasons  given,  that  disbursements  in  its 
favor,  out  of  the  income  from  1870  to  1890,  be  not  charged  to  it  in  the 
final  accounting  as  part  of  its  share  of  the  proceeds.  Tlie  other  com- 
munication is  a  paper  presented  to  the  Assembly  as  "  action  taken  by 
the  Associate  !Synod  in  response  to  a  memorial  from  the  Board  of  Man- 
agers of  the  Xenia  Seminary."  It  makes  no  reference  to  past  income 
disbursed  as  proper  to  be  considered  in  the  final  distribution.  It  con- 
templates disposition  only  of  "  all  moneys  now  in  the  hands  of  the  exe- 
cutors," and  moneys  yet  to  come  into  their  hands  from  income  and  ulti- 
mate sale,  and  of  the  total  proceeds  already  in  hand  and  yet  to  be 
realized,  it  would  have  one-half  divided  equally  between  the  Xenia  and 
Allegheny  Theological  Seminaries,  and  the  other  lialf  entrusted  to  other 
institutions  of  the  church. 

We  refrain  from  discussing  the  reasons  given  by  Committee  of  the 
Board  of  Managers  of  the  Xenia  Seminary,  for  amendment  of  the 
action  of  last  year.  But,  while  not  endorsing  the  reasons  given,  we 
would  cordially  recommend  that  the  change  be  made,  which  we  under- 
stand the  memorialist  to  ask,  for  we  believe  that  the  scheme  of  distri- 
bution, if  amended  as  contemplated,  would  fully  conform  to  the  will  of 
Mr.  Speers,  and  make  wise  and  most  useful  appropriation  of  his  large 
bequest,  while  it  seems  more  likely  to  harmonize  in  its  support  the 
members  of  this  Assembly,  and  give  satisfaction  to  the  Church.  We 
therefore  recommend  that  the  Assembly  adopt  resolutions  as  follows : — 

1.  That  this  Assembly  express  its  high  appreciation  of  all  the  pains- 
taking precautions  of  the  Associate  fathers  and  brethren,  since  the 
union  of  1858  to  the  present  time,  to  secure  the  Speers  estate  to  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church. 

2.  That  without  determining  the  relation  of  the  Associate  Synod,  or  its 
trustees,  to  the  Speers  estate,  the  executors  are  hereby  authorized  and 
directed  to  pay  the  entire  Trust  Fund,  including  income  accumulating 
from  date  of  last  Assembly's  action  ordering  distribution,  and  after  de- 
ducting necessary  expenses,  to  David  W.  Collins,  David  W.  Carson^ 
James  McCandless,  James  G.  Carson,  John  T.  Brownlee.  F.  A. 
Hutchinson,  Samuel  Collins,  George  M.  Reed  and  James  B.  Lee,  act- 
ing "  Trustees  of  the  Synod  of  the  Associate  Presbyterian  Church  of 
North  America,  subject  to  the  control  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  North  America,  for  the  purpose  of  the  trust  created  by  the 
will  of  Daniel  Speers,  deceased  ;"  and  said  acting  trustees  are  hereby 
made  the  fiscal  agents  of  the  General  Assembly  for  the  purpose  of  re- 
ceiving said  funds,  and  transmitting  the  same  to  the  Trustees  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  ;  and  said  acting 
trustees  and  fiscal  agents  are  hereby  directed  to  transmit  such  funds^ 
and  every  portion,  thereof  to  said  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly, 
when  and  as  rapidly  as  the  same  are  paid  over  to  them  by  said  exe- 
cutors. 


STANDARDS    OF    THE    CHURCH.  293 

3.  That  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  be  directed,  as  often  at 
least  as  once  a  year  (unless  tliey  may  find  so  frequent  a  distribution  to  be 
inexpedient),  until  the  final  settlement  of  the  estate,  to  make  distribution 
of  the  moneys  thus  entrusted  to  them  ;  the  distribution  to  be  made  to 
boards  and  institutions  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  in  pro- 
portions as  follows  :  To  the  Boards  of  Foreign  Missions,  Home  Missions, 
Freedmen's  Missions  and  Church  Extension  one-half  of  the  amount  of 
each  distribution  ;  that  is,  to  each  of  these  Boards  one-eighth  of  said 
amount ;  and,  as  requested  by  the  Associate  brethren,  to  the  Xenia  and 
Allegheny  Theological  Seminaries  one-half  of  the  amount  of  each  dis- 
tribution ;  that  is,  to  each  of  these  seminaries  one-fourtli  of  the  said 
amount,  to  be  ''applied  for  the  support  of  pious  young  men,  who  mav 
need  assistance,  while  preparing  for  the  Gospel  Ministry." 

4.  Tliat  in  consistency  with  these  resolutions  the  third  resolution  of 
the  action  of  the  last  Assembly,  in  adopting  the  report  of  its  Committee 
on  the  Speers  estate,  be  and  hereby  is  repealed. 

0.  That  copies  of  this  action  duly  attested,  be  given  to  the  executors 
of  this  estate  ;  to  the  said  David  W.  Collins,  David  W.  Carson,  James 
McCandless,  James  G.  Carson,  John  T.  Brownlee,  F.  A.  Hutchinson, 
Samuel  Collins,  George  M.  Reed  and  James  B.  Lee,  acting  trustees 
aforesaid,  and  fiscal  agents  hereby  appointed ;  and'  to  the  several 
Boards  and  Theological  Seminaries  above  named  as  beneficiaries  of 
this  trust.     Vol.  VII,  p.  633,  1891. 

CXVII.     STANDARDS  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

1 .  The  Integrity  of  the  Standards  of  the  Church  to  be  Pre- 
served.— Tlie  memorial  [of  the  Presbytery  of  Boston]  asks  the  As- 
sembly to  take  steps  to  secure  ''a  briefer  form  of  sound  words."  evi- 
dently meaning  by  the  phrase  "  sound  words  "  tlie  standards  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church.  By  the  deliberate  judgment  of  the  Church,  the 
Articles  of  the  Confession  of  Faith  are  stated  in  as  brief  a  form  as  is 
consistent  with  distinctness  and  fidelity  to  the  truths  which  they  enun- 
ciate. The  same  is  true  of  the  Articles  of  the  Testimony,  the  Form  of 
Government  and  Directory  for  Worship.  To  abbreviate  the  Catechisms, 
in  our  opinion,  would  be  a  simple  marring  of  that  which  is  recognized 
by  a  large  portion  of  the  evangelical  church  as  a  brief  summary  of  the 
whole  Christian  system.  The  memorial  asks  that  which  would  in  its 
nature  interfere  essentially  with  the  integrity  of  our  standards. 

The  tendency  of  the  times  is  to  break  loose  from  what  has  hitherto 
been  held  by  the  Church  as  forms  of  sound  words,  and  we  are  warned 
by  this  fact  to  exercise  unusual  watchfulness  and  tenacity  respecting  the 
present  form  of  our  standards. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  request  of  the  memorial  be  not  granted.  Vol. 
V,  p.  529,  1882. 

2.  A  Summary  of  the  Principles  of  the  Church. — Resolved,  2. 

That  while  this  request  [for  "a  briefer  form  of  sound  words"]  is  de- 
nied, a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  report  to  the  next  General 
Assembly  a  summary  of  our  principles,  for  use  in  mission  work.  Vol. 
V,  p.  529,  1882. 

[The  committee   was   continued,  with  instructions   to   publish   their 


294  DIGEST  or  THE  acts  of  the  assembly. 

report  in  the  meantime  in  the  papers  of  the  Church.  Vol.  Y,  p.  743, 
1883.1 

3.  The  Standards  of  the  Church  may  be  Changed  by  Over- 
ture.— See  Principles  of  the  Church,  Sec.  o. 

CXVllI.     STATE  OF  THE  COUNTRY. 
Resolutions  on  the  State  of  the  Country  During-  the  Civil 

War. — Resolved,  1.  Tiiat  the  General  Assembly  do  advise  and  exhort 
all  the  people  under  her  inspection  to  "  Search  and  try  their  ways  and 
turn  to  the  Lord.  Let  them  cease  to  do  evil  and  learn  to  do  well." 
Isaiah  1:16. 

2.  That  the  clerk  of  the  Assembly  be  directed,  and  hereby  is  di- 
rected, to  forward  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  a  letter  in  be- 
half of  this  Assembly  ;  and  after  assuring  him  of  our  earnest  sympathy 
and  the  sympathy  of  our  people,  and  our  and  their  readiness  to  co- 
operate with  him  in  his  endeavors  to  maintain  the  constitution  and  the 
integrity  of  the  nation,  to  solicit  him,  in  behalf  of  this  Assembly,  by 
his  proclamation,  to  invite  and  call  all  the  people  of  the  United  States 
to  fasting,  humiliation  and  prayer  on  day  of . 

3.  That  the  Assembly  do  earnestly  recommend  all  the  people  under 
their  care  to  confess  and  bewail,  not  only  their  own  sins,  but  the  sins  of 
the  land,  and  to  be  much  in  prayer  in  these  times  of  trouble.  Yol.  I, 
p.  228,  1861. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  true  remedy  for  the  evils  which  now  surround  us, 
and  threaten  our  national  existence,  lies  in  turning  to  the  living  God, 
acknowledging  the  sovereignty  of  him  who  rules  in  the  affairs  of  men, 
and  in  complying  with  the  demands  of  his  law,  which  requires  that 
"liberty  be  proclaimed  throughout  all  the  land  to  all  the  inhabitants 
thereof,"  "  then  shall  our  light  break  forth  as  the  morning,  and  our 
health  shall  spring  forth  speedily." 

3.  That  this  Assembly  has  an  abiding  confidence  in  the  National 
Government ;  bids  it  God-speed  in  suppressing  this  rebellion  ;  and  we 
pledge  ourselves  to  its  support  in  maintaining  the  principles  of  civil  and 
religious  liberty  by  all  scriptural  means. 

4.  That  a  copy  of  this  paper  be  transmitted  to  the  President  and 
heads  of  departments,  to  assure  them  of  our  sympathy  and  co-operation, 
and  to  urge  upon  tliem  the  necessity  of  taking  immediate  and  effective 
measures  to  remove  the  causes  of  our  national  troubles,  that  we  may  be 
restored  to  the  favor  of  God.     Yol.  I,  p.  364,  1862. 

The  paper  *  *  *  asks  for  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to 
prepare  an  address  to  President  Lincoln,  Secretary  Stanton,  and  Lieu- 
tenant-General  Grant,  embodying  the  following  items  : 

1.  An  assurance  of  the  deep  sympathy  and  earnest  co-operation  of 
this  Assembly,  and  of  the  people  wliom  we  represent,  with  the  Govern- 
ment in  its  present  trials  and  worthy  efforts  to  maintain  the  principles 
on  which  it  is  based. 

2.  Tlie  great  satisfaction  we  have  enjoyed  in  observing  their  recog- 
nition of  the  facts  "that  God  alone  can  organize  victory,"  "  that  we 
need  the  Divine  favor,"  and  that  we  are  warranted  to  expect  this  favor 
only  in  the  way  of  a  dutiful  regard  to  his  will  as  Governor  among  the 
nations. 


STATISTICS.  295 

3.  An  assurance  that  we  gladly  recognize  this  favor  in  the  successes 
which  have  attended  the  movements  of  our  armies  on  the  Potomac  and 
in  Georgia,  and  that  it  is  only  in  the  continuance  of  this  favor  that  we 
can  hope  for  final  success. 

That  an  address  of  the  nature  contemplated  in  the  paper  of  these 
brethren  should  go  forth  from  this  Assembly  is  highly  proper.  "We 
therefore  recommend  for  adoption  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  prepare,  at  their  earliest 
convenience,  an  address  such  as  the  paper  ot  these  brethren  contem- 
plates, and  forward  it  to  President  Lincoln  and  his  Cabinet.  Vol.  II, 
p.  31,1864. 

Resolved,  1.  That  with  grateful  remembrance  of  our  late  President, 
Abraham  Lincoln,  a  great  and  good  man,  who,  like  Moses,  under  God, 
led  a  nation  of  people  to  the  very  borders  of  the  land  of  liberty  and  rest, 
we  also  pledge  to  Andrew  Johnson,  our  present  Chief  Magistrate,  our 
cordial  sympathy  and  support,  in  the  hope  that,  like  a  Joshua,  he  will 
do  right  and  accomplish,  under  God,  the  object  of  our  desire,  namely,  the 
reconstruction  of  our  Government  on  the  broad  basis  of  universal 
freedom. 

2.  As  civil  magistrates  are  designed  to  be  a  terror  to  evil-doers,  it  is 
the  unanimous  opinion  of  this  Assembly  that  all  punishments,  defined  by 
the  constitution  as  deserved  by  traitors,  should  be  visited  upon  the  lead- 
ing instigators  and  prosecutors  of  this  rebellion.  In  Ezra  vii.  26,  we 
read  :  "  Whosoever  will  not  do  the  law  of  thy  God  and  the  law  of  the 
king,  let  judgment  be  executed  speedily,  whether  it  be  unto  death,  or  to 
banishment,  or  to  confiscation  of  goods,  or  to  imprisonment."  Mercy 
to  the  great  civil  and  military  heads  of  this  rebellion  would  be  cruelty 
to  coming  generattons. 

3.  We  earnestly  recommend  our  people  to  exhibit  every  possible 
kindness  to  all  soldiers  who  have  been  maimed  by  this  war,  and  to  the 
widows  and  fatherless  children  of  those  who  lives'  have  been  sacrificed 
in  this  conflict  for  liberty  and  right. 

4.  That  the  stated  clerk  be  instructed  to  transmit  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions  to  Andrew  Johnson,  President  of  the  United  States,  and  to 
assure  him  of  our  heartfelt  desires  for  his  success  in  the  work  of  recon- 
struction, in  establishing  order  and  peace,  and  in  perfecting  the  emanci- 
pation of  the  African  race  in  our  land.     Vol.  II,  p.  164,  1865. 

CXIX.     STATISTICS. 

L  Items  to  be  Inserted  in  the  Statistical  Tables.  The  Gen- 
eral Assembly  gave  order  concerning  the  items  to  be  inserted  in  the 
statistical  tables.     Vol.  I,  p.  44,  1859. 

Presbyteries  were  required  to  report  the  names  of  licentiates,  stud- 
ents of  theology,  and  correspondents  for  vacancies.  Vol.  I,  p.  361, 
1862. 

It  was  ordered  that  the  statistics  of  Sabbath-schools  be  reported. 
Vol.  II,  p.  163,  1865. 

The  second  clerk,  in  connection  with  the  Corresponding  Secretaries 
of  the  several  Boards,  was  instructed  to  have  blanks  prepared,  adapted 
to  the  several  departments  of  the  mission  work.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  20,  1869. 


290  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

It  was  ordered  that  tlie  column  "salary  by  Assembly"  be  omitted  ; 
that  "salary  by  Congregation"  be  changed  to  "salary  of  pastors,"  and 
that  aid  from  the  Home  Mission  fund  be  indicated  by  a  star ;  that  a 
column  be  added,  "  Amount  paid  Supplies,"  and  that  certain  changes 
be  made  in  the  order  of  the  tables.  Vol.  Ill,  j).  13G,  1870.  These 
changes  were  carried  out  only  in  part. 

Until  1866  the  decrease  of  members  by  death  was  reported  in  a  sep- 
arate column.     Vol.  II,  p.  163,  1865. 

Resolved,  4.  That  tlie  column  '^'^  Decrease"  be  divided  as  follows:  one 
column  under  decrease  be  designated  "By  death''  one  "By  removal^ 
Vol.  VII,  p.  637,  1891. 

Resolved,  3.  That  vacant  congregations  are  requested  to  report  only 
the  amount  paid  out  for  su|)plies  during  the  year,  and  not  the  tixed 
salary  of  the  congregation  when  settled.      Vol.  VI,  p.  20,  1884. 

[The  gathering  of  tlie  statistics  of  Sabbath-schools  was  referred  to 
the  Second  Clerk.     Vol.  VI,  p.  242,  1885.] 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  column  designated  •'  Months  open"  [for  Sab- 
bath-schools], "  Salary  by  Assembly,"  "  Board  of  Publication,"  be  dis- 
continued. 

Resolved,  5.  That  contributions  made  to  the  Board  of  Publication  be 
included  in  the  report  of  general  contributions.      Vol.  VII,  p.  637,  1891. 

Statistics  of  the  Missionary  Societies  were  published,  1881-1887,  but 
after  the  publication  of  such  reports  by  the  General  Missionary  Society 
was  begun,  the  Second  Clerk  was  authorized  to  discontinue  tiie  publi- 
cation.    Vol.  VI,  p.  434,  1886. 

Resolved,  3.  Tliat  the  assigning  one  column  for  number  of  members 
of  Young  People's  Societies,  be  approved.      Vol.  VII,  p.  037,  1891. 

2.  Table  of  Congregations  Contributing. — A  table  was  pre- 
pared by  the  Second  Clerk  showing  the  number  of  congregations  con- 
tributing to  the  several  funds  of  tiie  church,  and  the  Assembly  gave 
order  that  it  be  published  in  the  papers  of  the  church,  Vol.  IV,  p.  450, 
1877,  and  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly  from  year  to  year.  Vol.  IV, 
p.  584,  1878. 

"  All  the  funds  "  in  this  table  is  defined  to  mean  "  all  to  which  appro- 
priations are  made  by  the  Assembly."     Vol.  VII,  p.  431,  1890. 

3.  A  List  of  New  Organizations. — Resolved,  That  a  list  of  new 
organizations  be  appended  to  the  Minutes  of  this  and  future  Assemblies. 
Vol.  II,  p.  511,  1868. 

4.  A  List  of  Licentiates. — Resolved,  That  an  alphabetical  list  of 
licentiates,  together  with  the  Presbyteries  to  which  they  belong,  be  ap- 
pended to  the  Minutes  of  this  and  future  Assemblies.  Vol.  II,  p.  511, 
1868. 

5.  A  Record  of  Ordinations The  Second   Clerk  was  directed  to 

prepare  a  record  of  the  date  of  the  ordination  of  every  minister  and  the 
Presbytery  by  which  he  was  ordained.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  137,  1870. 

0.  A  List  of  Congregations. — The  Second  Clerk  was  directed  to 
prepare  an  alphaltetical  list  of  congregations  and  have  it  published  in 
the  Minutes.     Vol.  II,  p.  396,  1872. 

7.  Record  of  Deceased  Ministers. — Resolved,  2.  That  the  record 
of  ministers  deceased  be  published  in  the  Minutes  from  year  to  year. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  171,  1875. 


STATISTICS.  297 

8.  A  Record  of  Congregations. — A  historical  record  of  congrega- 
tions was  prepared  by  Dr.  J.  B.  Scouller,  and  order  was  given  that  it 
^'  be  published  in  the  Minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  this  year."  Vol. 
YI,  p.  434.  188G. 

9.  Vital  Statistics. — Resolved,  That  the  table  of  vital  statistics 
prepared  for  this  number  be  printed  with  the  other  tables.  Vol.  V,  p. 
539,  1882.  [Tliis  talde  was  continued  for  several  years,  but  was  dis- 
continued, except  where  it  appears  in  the  Record  of  Ministers  De- 
ceased. I 

10.  Average  Salary  of  Ministers — Resolved,  3.  That  in  making 
tjp  the  average  salary,  clerks  of  Presbyteries  be  directed  not  to  include 
the  amount  paid  by  vacancies  for  supplies.     Vol.  VI,  p.  20,  1884. 

11.  "Average  per  Member"  Defined.— iJeso^re^^,  2.  That  the 

average  per  member,  in  computing  congregational  statistics,  be  based 
on  the  number  reported  at  the  close  of  the  past  year.  Vol.  VII,  p. 
431,  1890. 

Resolved,  7.  In  computing  congregational  statistics,  the  average  per 
member  shall  be  based  on  tlie  number  reported  at  the  close  of  the  cur- 
rent year.     Vol.  VII,  p.  637,  1891. 

12.  Statistics  Under  the  Charge  of  the  Second  Clerk.— i?e- 

solved,  That,  instead  of  the  assistant  clerk,  who  is  elected  annually  and 
serves  only  during  the  sessions  of  the  Assembly,  a  second  permanent 
clerk  be  elected  for  i he  same  term  of  office  with  the  principal  clerk; 
who,  in  addition  to  his  duties  during  the  Assembly,  shall  have  special 
charge  of  statistics,  shall  take  measures  to  secure  full  and  correct  re- 
ports from  all  the  Presbyteries,  shall  prepare  the  tables  for  the  press, 
and  report  to  the  Assembly  all  Presbyteries  which  fail  to  send  full  and 
accurate  statistics.     Vol.  II,  p.  511,  1868. 

13.  Blanks  for  Statistical  Tables — Resolved,  3.  That  the  stated 
clerk  be  directed  to  have  printed  and  to  forward  to  the  clerk  of  each 
Presbytery,  at  least  three  months  previousfy  to  the  meeting  of  each  As- 
sembly, two  blanks  for  Presbyterial  reports,  and  twice  as  many  congre- 
gational blanks  as  there  are  congregations  in  each  Presbytery,  affixing 
to  each  blank  such  printed  directions  as  may  be  necessary.  Vol.  I,  p. 
44,  1859. 

Resolved,  That  the  clerks  of  the  Assembly  be  authorized  to  revise  the 
blanks  for  congregational  and  Presbyterial  reports,  and  to  have  them 
prepared  and  forwarded  to  clerks  of  Presbyteries  in  season  for  next 
year's  reports.     Vol.  II,  p.  511,  1868. 

14.  Time  for  Forwarding  Statistical  Tables. — Resolved,  lO. 

That  clerks  of  Presbyteries  be  directed  to  have  their  statistical  tables 
forwarded  to  the  second  clerk,  so  as  to  reach  him  not  less  than  ten  days 
before  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  138,  1870. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  second  clerk  be  directed  to  forward  blanks  to 
clerks  of  Presbyteries,  not  later  than  the  first  of  February ;  that  Ses- 
sions be  required  to  return  their  statistics  to  the  clerks  of  Presbyteries, 
not  later  than  the  fifth  of  April,  and  the  clerks  of  Presbyteries  to  re- 
turn theirs  to  the  second  clerk  not  later  than  the  twenty-fifth  of  April. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  450,  1877. 

2.  That  the  attention  of  Pastors  and  Sessions  be  called  to  the  im- 
portance of  early  forwarding  their  reports  to  the  clerks  of  Presbyteries, 


298  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

in  order  that  that  tliey  may  reach  the  Second  Clerk  at  as  early  a  day  as 
possible.     Vol.  VII,  p.  23'l,  1889. 

Resolved,  1.  That  in  the  publication  of  the  minutes  this  failure  [to 
forward  the  statistical  reports  of  Presbyteries  within  the  above  timej  be 
made  conspicuous  by  a  star,  or  some  otiier  sign  which  the  Clerk  may 
prefer  to  employ  for  that  purpose.     Vol.  V,  p.  200,  1880. 

15.  Close  of  the  Statistical  Year. — Resolved,  l.  That  the  statisti- 
cal year  close  on  the  thirty-tirst  day  of  March,  and  that  Sessions  be  re- 
quired to  forward  their  statistical  tables  to  clerks  of  Presbyteries  as  soon 
tiiereafter  as  practicable.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  39G,  1872.  [Re-affirmed,  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  54(;,  1873.]  "Not  later  than  the  fifth  of  April."  Vol.  IV,  p. 
450,  1877. 

16.  Summaries  to  be  Submitted  to  the  Assembly.— -ffeso/vec?, 

2.  That  the  Second  Cleik  be  instructed  to  submit,  if  possible,  to  each 
General  Assembly  printed  summaries  of  the  statistics.     Vol.  V,  p.  539, 

1882. 

17.  Summaries  of  Foreign  Missions. — Resolved,  3.    That.   .   . 

the  Second  Clerk  be  autliorized  to  publish  in  the  Minutes  of  the  As- 
sembly only  the  sunimuries  [of  Foreign  Missions]  leaving  the  detailed 
statistics  to  be  published  in  the  reports  of  the  Board.  Vol.  VII,  p.  231, 
1889.  [The  statistics  of  Forei-in  Missions  were  not  published  after 
1889.] 

18.  Statistics  of  Church  Property.— See  Vol.  VII,  p.  57o,  1890. 

CXX.     STUDENTS  OF  THEOLOGY. 

1.  Students  Recommended  to  Attend  the  Colleges  of  the 

Church. — Resolved,  Tiiat  the  ministers  and  elders  of  this  church  be 
recommended  to  exert  their  intluenco,  most  earnestly,  in  promoting  the 
Christian  culture  of  the  young  under  their  care,  and  tliat  all  parents, 
who  are  seeking  for  their  children  a  secular  education,  be  urged  to  take 
care  that  those  educational  institutes,  where  they  place  them,  be  such  as 
are  under  the  influence  of  Christian  principles,  and,  so  far  as  practicable, 
such,  also,  as  are  favorable  to  the  maintenance  and  propagation  of  the 
tenets  of  our  church.     Vol.  II,  p.  11,  1864. 

3.  That  we  hereby  express  our  fullest  confidence  in  the  ability  and 
efficiency  of  the  instructors  in  Allegheny  and  Xenia  Theological  Semi- 
naries, and  our  conviction  that  the  young  men  educated  in  these  are 
quite  as  well  equipped  for  the  gospel  ministry,  and  better  equipped  for 
the  ministry  of  our  own  church,  than  those  educated  elsewhere. 

4.  That  we  affectionately  urge  students  under  our  care  to  resist  the 
temptations  that  fall  in  their  way  to  go  elsewhere,  and  thus  avoid  ex- 
posure to  teachings  and  practices  antagonistic  to  the  faith  we  profess. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  28,  1888. 

3.  That  we  affectionately  urge  students  under  our  care  to  attend  our 
own  colleges  and  seminaries,  inasmucii  as  the  training  there  received 
will  better  fit  them  for  the  ministry  of  the  gospel  in  our  own  Church, 
and  because  we  have  the  fullest  confidence  in  the  ability  and  efficiency 
of  the  instructors  in  these  institutions.     Vol.  VII,  p.  229,  1889. 

2.  That  we  repeat  and  emphasize  the  action  of  former  Assemblies,  in 
urging   upon   parents  and   students   the   importance   of  attending  and 


STUDENTS  OF  THEOLOGY.  290 

patronizing  our  own  colleges  and  seminaries,  as  especially  equipped  for 
preparing  for  the  ministry  and  other  work  in  our  Church;  and  that 
we  commend  the  action  of  Presbyteries  in  requiring  the  attendance  of 
students  under  their  care  at  our  own  Seminaries.  Vol.  YII,  p.  652, 
1891. 

2.  Undergraduates  are  not  to  Enter  the  Theological  Semi- 
nary.— Resolved,  That  Presbyteries  be  instructed  not  to  permit  stu- 
dents to  enter  the  seminaries  while  prosecuting  the  collegiate  course. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  529,  1873. 

3.  Theological  Students  Must  be  Under  the  Care  of  a  Pres- 
bytery.— Resolved,  3.  That  no  student  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  shall  be  received  in  any  of  our  seminaries  until  he  has  placed 
himself  under  the  care  of  some  Presbytery,  and  that  after  he  has  been 
received,  he  shall  pursue  his  studies  during  the  interval  between  the 
sessions  under  the  direction  of  his  Presbytery.     Vol.  II,  p.  487,  1868. 

4.  Unlicensed  Students  Should  not  'Brtd.ch.— Resolved,  i.  That 

the  Assembly  regards  with  disapprobation,  as  irregular  and  of  injurious 
tendency,  the  condition  of  matters  alleged  to  exist  in  certain  quarters, 
according  to  which  unlicensed  students  of  theology  undertake  to  officiate 
as  preachers  in  the  ordinary  services  of  public  worship. 

2.  That  Presbyteries  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  charged  to  adopt 
prompt  measures  for  the  suppression  of  the  disorderly  state  of  matters 
indicated,  resorting,  if  need  be,  to  the  exercise  of  judicial  discipline  on 
the  actual  offenders,  and  on  those  who  make  themselves  accessory  to  tlieir 
offense  by  appointing  or  inviting  them  to  preach.  Vol.  IV,  i).  592, 
1878. 

With  reference  to  the  memorial  from  Chartiers  Presbytery,  asking 
that  such  action  may  be  taken  by  this  Assembly  as  may  be  necessary  to 
prevent  theolo<iical  students  from  accepting  appointments  to  preach 
previous  to  licensure,  we  would  recommend  that  unlicensed  students  be 
and  hereby  are  enjoined  to  refrain  from  accepting  appointments  to 
preach,  while  in  attendance  at  tlie  Seminary,  and  that  Presbyteries  be 
required  to  see  that  this  injunction  is  carried  out.  Vol.  Vll,  p.  416, 
1890. 

5.  Students  of  Theology  May  be  Employed  in  Missionary 

Labor. — [The  Presbytery  of  .Stamford  asked  that  an  overture  be  sub- 
mitted on  the  employment  of  students  of  Theology  in  missionary  labor. 
The  following  action  was  taken  :] 

We  are  of  opinion  that  our  Book  of  Government  and  the  action  of 
the  Assembly  of  1878  are  sufficiently  explicit  in  placing  the  whole  con- 
trol and  direction  of  students  of  theology  in  the  hands  of  their  respective 
Presbyteries.  While  our  Book  gives  explicit  direction  as  to  the  studies 
and  licensure  of  students  in  all  ordinary  cases,  it  leaves  much  to  the 
discretion  of  Presbyteries.  It  is  our  opinion  that  the  employment  of 
students  in  missionary  labor,  under  the  direction  of  Presbytery,  may 
be  of  great  service  in  the  Home  Mission  field,  and  at  the  same  time  afford 
them  the  very  best  training  for  future  .pastoral  work.  We,  therefore, 
offer  the  following  resolutions  : 

1.  That  there  is  no  necessity  for  an  overture  on  this  subject. 

2.  That  when,  in  the  judgment  of  Presbyteries,  it  would  be  advan- 
tageous, in   the   training  of  students  under   their  care,  to  have   them 


^00  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

engage  in  some  appropriate  mission  work  during  vacation,  they  are  at 
liberty  to  so  employ  them  in  connection  with  the  Board  of  Home  Mis- 
sions.    Vol.  VI,  p.  240,  1885. 

5.  That  our  Presbyteries  be  recommended  to  fully  employ  their 
unlicensed  students  in  evangelistic  work  during  their  vacations.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  460,  1890. 

6.  Students  of  Theology  to  be  Trained  for  Sabbath  School 

Work. — Resolved,  G.  That  the  directors  of  our  Theological  Seminaries 
be  directed  to  make  suitable  provision  for  the  special  training  of  the 
theological  students  for  Sabbath-school  work.     Vol.  VII,  p.  230,  1889. 

CXXI.  SUPERINTENDENTS  OF  MISSIONS. 

1.  Election  of  Superintendents  of  Missions. — [Previous  to  the 

following  order,  sui)erintendents  of  missions  were  appointed  by  the 
Assembly  without  Presbyterial  nomination.]  Resolved,  That  the 
clerks  of  Presbyteries  be  instructed  to  furnish  the  principal  clerk,  pre- 
viously to  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  with  a  list  of  nominations  for 
*  *  *  superintendents  of  missions,  with  their  post-office  address, 
and  that  the  clerk  be  instructed  to  report  this  list  to  the  General 
Assembly  for  confirmation.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  28,  1869. 

Each  Presbytery  shall  nominate  annually  to  the  General  Assembly 
one  of  the  ministers  connected  with  it,  for  appointment  as  superintendent 
of  missions  for  the  Presbytery.      Vol.  IV,  p.  160,  1875. 

2.  Duties  of  Superintendents  of  Missions. — [On  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions,  in  order  that  "the  Church 
may  be  furnished  with  more  full  and  definite  information  respecting 
our  work,"  the  Assembly  adopted  the  following :]  Resolved,  1.  That 
the  Assembly  appoint  a  suitable  person  in  eacli  Presbytery  as  superin- 
tendent of  missions  within  its  bounds,  to  whom  each  of  the  missionaries 
receiving  aid  shall  send  quarterly  reports  concerning  the  condition  and 
prospects  of  the  work  in  his  field  of  labor. 

2.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  said  superintendent  to  condense  and 
prepare  for  publication  tlie  information  thus  obtained,  and  forward  it  to 
the  Executive  Committee.      Vol.  II,  p.  426,  1867. 

20.  *  *  *  jj  shall  be  his  duty  to  superintend  the  mission  work 
in  his  Presbytery ;  to  obtain  quarterly  reports  from  stations  receiving 
aid,  and  from  missionaries  laboring  in  the  Presbytery ;  to  make  a 
quarterly  report,  in  the  form  approved  by  tlie  Assembly,  to  the  cor- 
responding secretary  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  ;  to  receive  from 
the  treasurer  of  the  Board,  receipt  for  and  distribute  the  money  appro- 
priated to  aid  congregations  and  stations  ;  and  in  general  to  act  as  the 
organ  of  communication  between  the  Board  and  the  Presbytery,  and 
perform  such  duties  as  the  Presbytery  may  direct.  Vol.  IV,  p.  160, 
1875. 

7.  Resolved,  That  superintendents  of  missions  be  directed  to  report 
delinquent  appointees  to  their  respective  Presbyteries,  in  order  that 
they  may  be  called  to  account  for  their  delinquency.  Vol.  V,  p.  242, 
1885. 

Resolved,  1.  Tiiat  hereafter  the  annual  reports  of  the  Presbyteries  to 
the  Board  of  Home  Missions  be  made  by  the  superintendents  of  mis- 
.'sions  of  the  several  Presbyteries.     Vol.  VI,  p.  468,  1886. 


SUSTENATIOX    FUXD.  301 

3.  Accounts  of  Superintendents  of  Missions  to  be  Audited. 

— Resolved,  Tliat  the  Presbyteries  be  required,  annually,  to  audit  the 
accounts  of  the  superintendents  of  missions.     Vol.  IV,  p.  472,  1877. 

CXXII.     SUSTENTATION  FUND. 

Resolved,  That  *  *  *  be  a  committee  to  prepare  the  plan  of  a  sus- 
tentation  fund,  and  report  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Vol.  I,  p. 
44,  1859.  [This  committee  did  not  present  a  report  to  the  next  As- 
sembly.] 

[On  certain  memorials,  asking  the  Assembly  to  establish  a  general 
delegate  fund  and  a  sustentation  fund,  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  deem  it  inexpedient  to  establish  either  of  these 
funds  at  the  present  time. 

2.  That  a  committee  of  one  member  from  each  Synod  be  appointed, 
to  whom  all  the  papers  relating  to  these  subjects  shall  be  referred,  and 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  consider  these  subjects  carefully,  and  report  to 
the  next  General  Assembly  ;  and,  also,  to  publish  their  report  in  the 
papers  of  the  church,  at  least  three  months  before  the  meeting  of  the 
Assembly.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  543,  1873. 

[This  committee  reported  a  plan  to  the  Assembly,  when  the  follow- 
ing action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  all  the  papers  on  the  subject  of  Sustentation  be  referred 
to  a  special  committee,  which  shall  prepare  a  report,  to  be  submitted, 
before  the  first  of  September,  to  the  Presbyteries,  that  they  may  report 
to  the  next  General  Assembly  their  opinion  thereon,  and  any  sugges- 
tions in  regard  to  the  same,  which  they  may  deem  of  importance.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  16,  1874. 

[This  committee  presented  a  report  to  the  next  Assembly,  Vol.  IV,  p. 
226,  1875,  when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  That  further  action  on  these  papers,  by  this  Assembly,  is 
not  advisable.     Vol.  IV,  p.  168,  1875. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  report  to  the  next  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  if  in  their  judgment  they  can  devise  one,  an  improved 
system  of  ministerial  support,  to  the  end  that  such  formidable  hindrances 
to  the  gospel  may  be  avoided,  and  the  success  of  our  church  and  the 
salvation  of  souls  greatly  promoted.     Vol.  IV,  p.  594,  1878. 

[This  committee  reported  progress,  and  asked  leave  to  report  at  their 
discretion.  Their  request  was  granted.  Vol.  V,  p.  10,  1879.  No 
subsequent  report  appears.] 

[The  Presbytery  of  Detroit  sent  up  a  memorial  on  sustentation,  and 
the  General  Committee  of  Home  ]\Iissions  submitted  the  following  :] 

1.  That  we  recommend  to  the  General  Assembly  to  consider  the  pro- 
priety of  establishing  a  Sustentation  Fund  for  the  purpose  of  aiding 
such  congregations  as  need  help,  to  enable  them  to  keep  up  the  regular 
worship  of  God,  and  yet  are  not  properly  mission  churches  ;  that  is, 
churches  that  are  so  located  that  they  may  be  expected  to  increase  in 
numbers  with  the  prospect  of  soon  becoming  self-supporting. 

The  Assembly  adopted,  the  following: 

It  is  believed  that  a  division  of  the  funds,  as  contemplated  in  the 
plan  of  Sustentation,  and  the  discouragement  to  congregations  incident 


■302  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

to  placing  them  in  the  class  proposed,  would  counterbalance  any  advan- 
tages that  migiit  accrue  to  the  Church  tlieretrom.  Vol.  VJ,  pp.  19,  68, 
1884. 

[Tiie  Presbytery  of  Detroit  renewed  its  memorial,  and  the  Assembly 
appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly  "  a 
scheme  of  ministerial  sustentation  adapted  to  tlie  needs  of  our  Church." 
Vol.  VJ,  p.  245,  1885.  The  committee  reported  a  plan  and  th<i 
Assembly  took  the  following  action  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  proposed  plan  of  ministerial  sustentation  appears 
in  its  general  features  to  possess  much  to  commend  it  to  acceptance; 
that  in  a  matter  so  important,  however,  it  seems  wise  to  take  further 
time  for  maturing  the  plan  and  exciting  an  interest  in  it ;  that  to  this 
end  the  report  which  has  been  read  be  printed  in  the  papers  of  the 
Church,  as  well  as  in  the  Minutes  of  the  Assembly  ;  that  the  committee 
which  prepared  tlie  report  be  continued,  and  that  the  Presbyteries  be 
asked  to  communicate  by  January  1,  1887,  to  said  committee  in  a  gen- 
eral way  their  views  in  relation  to  the  report,  which  communications 
the  committee  will  condense  and  convey  to  the  next  Assembly,  together 
with  such  suggestions  as  they  may  deem  proper.  Vol.  VI,  pp.  499, 
418,  1886. 

[Tiie  Committee  reported,  recommending  that  the  plan  proposed  the 
preceding  year  be  adopted  and  placed  in  the  hands  of  a  competent 
Board.]  Vol.  VI,  p.  739,  1887.  The  whole  subject  of  Ministerial 
Sustentation  was  referred  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  P.  682,  1887. 
£No  further  action  appears.] 

CXXIIl.     SYNODS. 

1.  Minutes  of  S3mods. — Resolved,  That  Synods  under  the  care  of 
Assembly  be  and  are  iiereby  enjoined  to  submit  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly, for  inspection,  a  record  of  their  proceedings.     Vol.  II,  p.  309,  1866. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  Synods  under  the  care  of  the  Assembly  be 
authorized,  if  in  their  judgment  they  think  it  best,  to  make  a  printed 
copy  of  their  minutes,  certified  by  the  signature  of  the  clerk,  the  official 
copy  of  the  minutes.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  380,  1872. 

2.  That  the  General  Assembly  hereby  recommends  to  all  the  Synods 
to  have  their  minutes  published  on  paper  of  tlie  same  size  as  that  on 
which  the  minutes  of  the  General  Assembly  are  published,  and  to  have 
carefully  prepared  indexes  appended  to  them.     Vol.  V,  p.  38,  1879. 

2.  Attendance  of  the  Members  of  the  S3mods. — [The  com- 
mittee on  Revision  reported  that  tlie  minutes  of  the  Synods  showed  a 
large  number  of  absentees.      Whereupon  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  General  Assembly  urge  a  fuller  attendance  of 
ministers  and  elders  at  the  meetings  of  our  Synods.  Vol.  V,  p.  718, 
1883. 

3.  Sjmods  Organized.  The  Synod  of  Iom'a.  [Formed  out  of 
the  Synod  of  Illinois,  including  the  States  of  Iowa  and  Minnesota,  and 
the  Territories  of  Kansas  and  Nebraska,  but  the  Presbytery  of  Kansas 
to  be  connected  with  the  Synod  of  Illinois  ;  .to  be  constituted  on  the 
last  Thursday  of  August,  1860,  at  7.30  P.  M.,  in  the  city  of  Oskaloosa, 
Iowa.]     Vol.  I,  p.  107,  1860. 


SYSTEMATIC    BENEFICENCE.  303 

The  Synod  of  Kansas. — [From  the  Synod  of  Illinois,  to  consist  of 
the  Presbyteries  of  Western  Missouri  and  Kansas  ;  to  be  constituted  in 
the  City  of  Leavenworth,  Kan.,  on  Wednesday,  September  29th,  1869, 
at  7  P.  M.]     Vol.  Ill,  p.  lU,  1869. 

The  Synod  of  Nebraska. — [That  part  of  the  Synod  of  Iowa  lying 
west  of  the  Missouri  River,  together  with  the  Presbytery  of  Colorado, 
from  the  Synod  of  Kansas  ;  to  be  constituted  in  the  city  of  Omaha, 
on  the  last"Tuesday  of  September,  1886,  at  7.30  P.  M.]  Vol.  VI,  p. 
435,  1886. 

The  Synod  of  Ohio [From   the  First  Synod  of  the  West ;  to 

consist  of  the  Presbyteries  of  Mansfield,  Muskingum,  Steubenville  and 
Wheeling,  to  be  constituted  at  Steubenville,  on  the  First  Tuesday  of 
October, 1862,  at  7  P.  M.]     Vol.  I,  p.  358,  1862. 

The  Synod  of  the  Pacific — [The  Presbyteries  of  San  Francisco 
and  Oregon,  to  be  constituted  in  .the  city  of  Albany,  Or.,  on  the  second 
Tuesday  of  September,  1877,  at  7:30  p.  m.]     Vol.  IV,  p.  308,  1876. 

The  Synod  of  Pittsburgh. — [From  the  First  Synod  of  the  West, 
including  the  Presbyteries  of  Big  Spring,  Chartiers,  Conemaugh, 
Frankfort,  Monongahela  and  Westmoreland,  to  be  constituted  at  Indi- 
ana, on  the  first  Tuesday  of  October,  1862,  at  2  p.  m.]  Vol.  I,  p.  358, 
1862. 

4.  Change  of  Synodical  Boundaries.— [Tiie  Presbytery  of  De- 
troit, was  transferred  from  the  Second  Synod  to  the  First  Synod  of  the 
W^ist.]  Vol.  I,  p.  123,  1860.  [And  again  from  the  First  Synod  of 
the  West  to  the  Synod  of  Ohio.]     Vol.  VII,  p.  628,  1891. 

5.  Biennial  Meetings  of  the  S3mod  of  the  Pacific— [The  Pres- 
byteries of  San  Francisco  and  Oregon  memorialized  the  Assembly  so  to 
modify  the  law  of  the  church  as  to  allow  the  Synod  of  the  Pacific  to 
meet  biennially  instead  of  annually.  The  General  Assembly  overtured 
to  the  Presbyteries  the  question  of  the  suspension  of  the  rule  so  as  to  al 
low  the  Synod  of  the  Pacific  to  meet  once  in  two  years.]  Vol.  IV,  p. 
573,  1878. 

[The  vote  on  this  overture  was  :  Ayes,  699  ;  nays,  24 ;  not  voting, 
12.     Tiiereupon  the  General  Assembly  adopted  the  following  :] 

Resolved,  That  the  law  of  the  church  touching. the  meeting  of  Synods 
be  and  is,  in  tlie  case  of  the  Synod  of  the  Pacific,  suspended  so  far  as  to 
permit  said  Synod,  until  otherwise  ordered  by  the  Assembly,  or  desired 
by  the  Synod  itself,  to  meet  only  once  in  two  years  instead  of  every 
year.     Vol.  V,  p.  20,  1879. 

CXXIV.     SYSTEMATIC   BENEFICENCE. 

1.  Standing  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  and  its 

Duties — ResuLved,  1.  That  a  standjng  committee  of  five,  to  be  called 
tlie  Committee  on  Systematic   Beneficence,  l)e  appointed. 

2.  That  the  duties  of  this  committee  shall  be  to  examine  Presbyterial 
reports,  with  a  view  to  ascertain  what  system,  if  any,  tiie  Presbyteries 
have  adopted  for  raising  the  benevolent  funds  of  the  Church,  and  to 
recommend  such  plans  or  measures  as  in  their  judgment  are  best 
adapted  to  secure  system  in  our  financial  operations,  and  thus  replenish 
the  treasuries  of  the  Church.  Vol.  I,  p.  359,  1862.  [This  committee 
was  abolished  by  the  adoption  of  the  amended  Rules  of  Order  in  1870. 


304  DIGEST  OF  THE  ACTS  OK  THE  ASSEMBLY. 

A  special  Committee  on  Systematic  Beneficence  was  appointed.  Vol. 
V,  p.  9,  1879.] 

2.  The  Tithe  System. — [On  a  memorial  from  the  Presbytery  of 
Westmoreland,  a  committee  was  appointed  to  investigate  and  report 
upon  tlie  tithe  system,  Vol.  II,  p.  169,  1865.  This  committee  pre- 
sented a  report,  Vol.  II,  p.  319,  1866,  which  was  published  by  order  of 
the  Assembly,  Vol.  II,  p.  347,  1866.] 

Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  Christians  ought 
not,  in  their  contributions  for  benevolent  and  religious  purposes,  to  fall 
below  one-tenth  of  their  yearly  income.      Vol,  V,  p.  33,  1879. 

4.  A  Plan  for  Systematic  Giving-. — [Tlie  Assembly  recommended 
a  plan  for  systematic  giving.      Vol.  111.  p.  542,  1873.] 

[The  Committee  on  "Ways  and  Means  reported,  and  tlie  Assembly 
approved  the  following:] 

The  raising  of  money  should  commence  early  in  the  year.  Under  no 
circumstances  should  it  be  postponed  until  the  middle  or  end  of  the 
year.  *  *  *  In  reference  to  the  plan  ot  raising  money,  we  would 
strongly  recommend  the  envelope  system,  or  collections  at  the  quarterly 
communion  seasons,  or  a  collection  by  subscription  books  in  the  hands 
of  committees,  or  some  other  plan  of  systematic  giving.  It  must  be 
remembered,  however,  that  the  best  system  ever  devised  will  partially 
or  totally  fail  if  the  proper  persons  do  not  make  the  needed  exertion  ta 
carry  it  out  :  and,  on  the  other  hand,  that  a  very  unpromising  system 
can  often  be  made  to  work  successfully  if  judicious  and  enthusiastic  per- 
sons are  in  charge  of  it.     Vol.  VII,  f).  293,  1889. 

1.  That  the  Committee  on  Ways  and  Means  be  directed  to  continue 
to  present  to  our  congregations  the  '•  Five  Suggestions;"  and  that  in 
in  every  case,  where  it  is  at  all  practicable,  the  contributions  for  the 
Boards  of  the  Church  be  taken  weekly. 

2.  That  ministers  and  sessions  be  specially  urged  to  keep  the  people 
under  their  care  well  informed  as  to  the  needs  and  progress  of  the 
Church's  work,  both  by  the  circulation  of  literature,  and  holding  con- 
ferences thereon. 

3.  That  the  Committee  on  Ways  and  Means  be  empowered  to  secure 
in  every  Presbytery  the  help  of  one  or  more  persons,  specially  interested 
in  bringing  before  the  people  of  all  our  congregations  the  claims  and 
needs  of  the  general  work  of  the  Church,  who  shall  advise  and  co- 
operate with  the  financial  agent  in   his  work.     Vol.  VII,  p.  641,  1891. 

[The  "Five  Suggestions"  referred  to  above  are  as  follows  :] 
First,  Let  the  pastor  or  stated  supply  call  together  the  members  of 
his  session  for  prayer  and  consultation.  Speak  to  them  of  Christ's 
"  Great  Commission"  and  of  their  obligations  to  help  carry  it  out,  and 
that  the  Boards  of  our  Church  are  the  chief  agencies  through  which  this 
commission  is  carried  into  ejf'ect  hy  the  Church. 

Second.  At  this  same  meeting  speak  of  and  discuss  the  New  Testa- 
ment rule  of  giving,  1  Cor.  xvi.  2.  Pray  over  it.  Then,  if  not  already 
done,  let  each  member  of  session,  knowing  his  privileges  and  feeling  his 
obligations,  resolve  to  devote  at  least  the  one-tenth  of  his  income  to  the 
Lord,  or  to  give  "  as  God  hath  prospered  him."  If  time  is  asked  by 
any  of  the  members  of  session  for  further  consideration  of  the  subject^ 
grant  it,  and  call  another  meeting  in  one  or  two  weeks. 


TEMPERANCE.  305 

Third.  When  this  is  done,  present  the  whole  subject  of  '<  Missions" 
and  of  "  Christian  Giving"  to  the  members  of  the  congregation.  Let 
them  know  of  the  resolve  taken  by  tlie  members  of  session,  and  then 
earnestly  ask  them  to  join  you  in  devoting  at  least  the  one-tenth  of  their 
income  to  the  Lord,  or,  to  give  "as  God  hath  prospered  them." 
Present  the  subject  of  giving,  not  only  as  a  duty,  but  as  a  idgh  priv- 
ilege.    Let  giving  be  regarded  as  an  act  of  worship, 

Fourth.  Commence  the  raising  of  mission  money  early  in  the  year. 
Do  not  under  any  circumstances  postpone  the  matter  until  the  middle 
or  close  of  the  year. 

Fifth.  We  desire  to  emphasize  the  fact  that  it  is  the  regular,  stated, 
systematic,  giving  of  the  many  that  is  of  special  benefit  to  tiie  Church 
and  to  the  individual.  Every  member  should  be  encouraged  to  give 
something.  All  should  have  a  part  in  carrying  on  the  miss'ion  work  of 
our  Church.     Vol.  VII,  p.  720,  1891. 

See,  also.  Christian  Giving. 

CXXV.    TATE'S  APPEAL. 

The  appeal  comes  before  the  Assembly  based  on  the  following  facts 
as  they  appear  from  the  records  :  At  a  meeting  of  the  PresbyTery  of 
Keokuk,  held  at  Burlington,  la.,  September  6,  1886,  the  Presbytery 
was  asked  to  direct  the  Session  of  the  congregation  of  Keokuk  to  cease 
from  the  use  of  an  organ  in  the  worship  of  God  in  the  congregation, 
and  to  enjoin  upon  all  Sessions  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Presbytery, 
to  forbid  the  use  of  musical  instruments  in  the  worship  of  God,  whether 
in  the  congregation,  the  family,  or  the  Sabbath-school,  wherever  and 
by  whomsoever  attempted.  The  Presbytery  refused  to  take  the  above 
action,  and  from  its  decision  the  present  appellants  took  an  appeal  to 
the  Synod  of  Iowa.  The  Synod  of  Iowa  refused  to  sustain  their  appeal, 
and  from  that  decision  they  appeal  to  this  Assembly. 

Your  Committee  finds  that  the  appeal  is  regularly  before  the  Assem- 
bly and'recommends  that  it  be  taken  up  and  issued  according  to  order. 
And  for  the  decision  of  the  case  the  Committee  proposes  for  adoption 
the  following  : 

Whereas,  There  is  now  no  law  forbidding  the  use  of  instrumental 
music  in  the  worship  of  God,  and  therefore  no  violation  of  law  in  the 
case  pending,  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  the  appeal  be  not  sustained.     Vol.  VI,  p.  674,  1887. 

CXXVI.     TEMPERANCE. 
1.   The   Manufacture  and  Sale  of  Intoxicating  Drinks.— 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  business  of  manufacturing  and  vendino-  intoxi- 
cating drinks,  for  drinking  purposes,  is  injurious  to  the  best  int'erests  of 
society,  and  therefore  inconsistent  with  the  law  of  God,  which  requires 
"  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thyself." 

4.  That  the  practice  of  renting  houses  to  be  occupied  by  those  who 
are  engaged  in  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  intoxicating  drinks  to  be 
used  as  a  Leverage,  or  for  any  immoral  purpose,  is  utterly  inconsistent 
with  the  honor  of  the  Christian  religion.  Vol.  I,  p.  41,  1859.  TRe- 
affirmed.  Vol.  II,  p.  16,  1864.1 
20 


30G  DIGEST    OF    THK    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Itesolved,  1.  That  the  Church  is  essentially  a  temperance  society, 
and  her  members  should  use  all  their  influence  for  the  suppression  of 
the  liquor  traffic,  and  encouragement  should  be  given  to  all  those  who, 
by  lawful  means,  are  laboring  to  accomplish  this  great  and  noble  result. 
Vol.  Ill,  p.  546,  1873. 

Resolved,  1.  That  it  is  inconsistent  with  membership  in  the  Church 
of  Christ  to  use,  or  be  engaged  in  tlie  manufacture  or  sale  of,  intoxicat- 
ing liquors  as  a  beverage.      Vol.  IV,  p.  185,  1875. 

Whereas,  The  manufacture  and  traffic  in  intoxicating  liquors  is  a 
great  and  growing  evil,  working  the  ruin  of  many,  and  filling  the  land 
•with  want  and  mourning;  and,  whereas,  the  Church  should  do  every- 
thing to  counteract  its  influence  and  seek  its  overthrow  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  1.  That  we,  as  an  Assembly,  recommend  to  all  our  Pres- 
byteries to  do  all  in  their  power  to  counteract  tlie  workings  of  this  great 
•evil. 

2.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  consider  this  matter,  and  make 
such  recommendations  as  they  think  best,  to  tlie  next  Assembly.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  322,  187G.  [For  the  report  of  this  committee,  see  Vol.  IV,  p. 
493,  1877.] 

Resolved,  3.  That  it  is  inconsistent  with  memljership  in  the  church 
of  Christ  to  be  engaged  in  the  manufacture  or  sale  of  intoxicating 
liquors  as  a  beverage  ;  or  in  any  other  Avay  to  aid  or  abet  in  the  manu- 
facture, sale  or  use  of  intoxicating  liquors. 

5.  That  the  license  of  the  traihc  is  incompatible  with  the  welfare  of 
the  State  ;  and  that  the  State  should  seek  its  entire  prohibition.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  494,  1877. 

Resolved,  1.  Drunkenness  is  an  evil  of  giant  proportions,  having  in- 
herent and  appalling  malignity.  It  is  strongly  entrenched  by  custom, 
cupidity  and  appetite.  It  works  wide-spread  ruin  in  society,  and  de- 
stroys men's  souls  and  bodies. 

2.  The  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage,  and  the  manufac- 
ture and  sale  of  them  for  this  purpose,  are  evils  dishonoring  to  God  and 
destructive  to  men. 

3.  To  give  aid  or  countenance  to  those  engaged  in  this  nefarious 
business,  by  furnishing  them  with  the  necessary  materials,  leasing  to 
them  property  to  be  used  in  their  business,  signing  their  petitions  for 
license,  or  in  any  other  way,  is  to  make  ourselves  "  partakers  of  other 
men's  sins." 

7.  Individual  Christians  should  use  all  proper  means  for  the  suppres- 
sion of  the  licpior  traffic.  Legal  prohibition,  moral  suasion  and  the 
practice  of  total  abstinence  are  demanded.      Vol.  IV,  p.  583,  1878. 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  General  Assembly,  in  view  of  tlie  many  and 
terrible  evils  of  intemperance,  and  the  fact  that  the  common  traffic  in, 
and  the  moderate  use  of  intoxicants  as  a  beverage,  are  the  source  of  all 
these  evils,  hereby  renews  and  reiterates  all  the  action  of  our  church  on 
these  subjects,  and  does  most  solemnly  warn  our  people,  and  all  over 
whom  we  have  an  influence,  to  avoid  the  use  of  intoxicants  of  any  kind, 
and  in  any  quantity,  as  a  beverage;  also  against  all  complicity  with  the 
traffic,  by  furnishing  money,  selling  materials  directly  to,  or  renting 
houses  for,  the  manufacture  or  sale  of  intoxicants.  Vol.  V,  p.  364, 
1881. 


TEMPERANCE.  307 

Hesolred,  1.  That  we  regard  the  traffic  in  strong  drink  as  one  of  tlie 
ereatest  hindrances  to  tlie  progress  of  the  cause  and  Kingdom  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Vol.  V,  p.'  740,  1883. 

1.  Tlie  liquor  traffic  is  forbidden  by  the  Word  of  God,  (Hab.  ii.  15,) 
and  is  a  barrier  to  the  growth  of  the  cluirch,  an  enemy  of  the  home  and 
the  State,  and  its  legitimate  fruit  is,  and  has  ever  been,  oppressive  taxes, 
wretched  paupers,  cruel  madmen,  wasted  fortunes,  ruined  homes  and 
lost  souls. 

6.  That  the  signs  of  the  times  in  which  we  live,  indicate  that  the 
liquor  traffic  is  the  next  great  evil,  which  the  Loi'd  of  Hosts,  in  His 
great  strength,  has  arisen  to  destroy;  and  that  a  willing  people,  in  this 
the  day  of  his  power,  are  rapidly  coming  to  his  help.  So  we  thank 
God  and  take  courage.     Vol.  VI,  p.  433,^1880. 

2.  That  we  regard  the  traffic  in  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  sin  against 
God  and  a  crime  against  humanity;  and  condemn  all  forms  of  license, 
high  or  low,  as  morally  wrong,  laying  the  responsibility  for  the  exist- 
ence of  the  tratKc  upon  the  State,  and  urge  upon  our  people  the  duty  of 
acting  with  prayerful  deliberation  in  the  exercise  of  tJieir  citizenship, 
that  they  may  not  compromise  their  Christian  principles  or  complicate 
themselves  in  any  way  with  this  evil,     Vol.  VII,  p.  423,  1890. 

2.  Total  Abstinence. — liesolced,  2.  That  the  use  of  intoxicating 
drinks  as  a  beverage  has  a  tendency  to  lead  to  intemperance,  and  in 
most,  if  not  all  cases,  results  in  intemperance  in  a  greater  or  less  degree, 
and,  therefore,  is  inconsistent  with  the  law  of  God,  which  not  only  for- 
bids all  sin,  but  all  the  "  causes,  means,  occasions  and  appearances 
thereof,  and  provocations  thereunto." 

3.  That  church  Sessions  have  full  authority,  and  it  is  their  duty,  to 
enforce  the  principle  of  total  abstinence  where,  in  the  exercise  of  a 
sound  discretion,  they  have  reason  to  believe  the  safety  of  the  individual 
and  the  honor  of  religion  require  it.  Vol.  1,  p.  41,  1859.  [Re-affirmed, 
Vol.  II,  p.  16,  1864.] 

Resolved,  2.  That  it  is  the  imperative  duty  of  all  the  followers  of 
Christ  to  abstain  from  the  use  of  intoxicating  drinks  of  every  kind,  and 
that  such  abstinence  is  necessary  to  a  consistent  Christian  life.  Vol. 
Ill,  p.  546,  1873. 

Resolved,  2.  That  every  church  member  should  consider  himself  as 
pledged,  by  the  obligations  which  he  assumes,  to  total  abstinence  from 
all  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage.     Vol.  IV,  p.  494,  1877. 

Resolved,  2.  The  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  beverage,  and  the 
manufacture  and  sale  of  thedn  for  this  purpose,  are  evils,  dishonoring  to 
God  and  destructive  to  men. 

7.  Individual  Christians  should  use  all  jjroper  means  for  the  suppres- 
sion of  the  liquor  traffic.  Legal  prohibition,  moral  suasion,  and  the 
practice  of  total  abstinence,  are  demanded.     Vol.  IV,  p.  583,  1878. 

1.  That  this  General  Assembly  .  .  .  does  most  solemnly  warn  our 
people,  and  all  over  whom  we  have  an  influence,  to  avoid  the  use  of  in- 
toxicants of  any  kind,  and  in  any  quantity,  as  a  beverage.  Vol.  V,  p. 
364,  1881. 

2.  That  we  give  anew  our  hearty  and  emphatic  endorsement  to  the 
proposition  that  .  .  .  total  abstinence  is  the  only  rule  for  the  individ- 
ual.    Vol.  VII,  p.  20,  1888. 


308  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  General  Assembly  recognize  the  question  of 
Temperance  Reform,  as  one  of  the  greatest  moral  issues  of  the  times. 

2,  That  we  give  our  hearty  and  emphatic  endorsement  to  the  propo- 
sition that  total  abstinence  is  the  only  safe  rule  for  the  individual,  and 
that  tlie  prohibition  of  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  all  alcoholic  liquors 
as  a  beverage,  is  the  true  method  of  dealing  with  the  monstrous  evil  by 
the  State.     Vol.  VI,  p.  32,  1884. 

The  liquor  traffic,  as  carried  on  in  our  land,  is  a  curse  to  the  individ- 
ual, the  Church  and  the  State,  an  enemy  of  all  human  happiness,  and  a 
chief  hinderance  in  tlie  way  of  the  kingdom  of  the  Lord.  It  is  evil, 
and  only  evil,  continually.     Vol.  VI,  p.  G75,  1887. 

3.  That  we  continue  to  endorse  the  proposition  of  former  Assemblies, 
that  total  abstinence  is  the  only  safe  rule  for  the  individual,  and  prohi- 
bition by  law  of  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a 
beverage,  the  true  method  of  dealing  with  this  terrible  evil  by  the  State. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  227,  188'J. 

3.  The  Duty  of  the  Church  in  the  Temperance  Reform. — 

Mesolved,  4.   Tliat  it  is  the  duty  of  all   Christians  and  good  citizens  to 
combine  their  eftbrts  to  secure  thorough  reformation  on  this  subject. 

6.  That  individuals,  Sessions,  Presbyteries  and  Synods  be  requested 
to  use  all  possible  means  within  their  reach,  to  secure  and  promote  tem- 
perance reform. 

7.  That  those  engaged  in  recent  movements,  having  for  their  object 
temperance  reform,  have  the  sympathy  and  encouragement  of  this 
Assembly.     Vol.  IV,  p.  494,  1877. 

Resolved,  4.  While,  in  instances  in  which  it  results,  in  some  measure, 
from  inherited  infirmity,  drunkenness  may  be  regarded,  to  some  extent, 
as  a  misfortune  ;  it  is  at  the  same  time  a  sin,  a  heinous  sin,  against  God 
and  a  crime  against  society. 

5.  Mere  human  devices,  whether  pledge,  or  organization,  or  profes- 
sion, while  they  may  be  in  some  degree  helpful,  are  utterly  inadequate 
to  the  complete  and  permanent  reformation  of  the  drunkard.  The 
gospel  of  Christ  alone,  introduced  into  the  soul  by  the  illuminating 
power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  can  bring  effectual  deliverance  from  this  and 
every  other  form  of  moral  evil. 

6.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Christian  Church  to  sympathize  with  and 
earnestly  promote  all  proper  efforts  for  the  reformation  of  the  inebriate 
and  the  suppression  of  intemperance. 

8.  The  Church  of  Jesus  Christ  is  the  divinely  appointed  agency,  and 
through  his  strength,  an  adequate  agency  for  the  establishment  of 
godliness,  and  righteousness,  and  temperance  in  the  earth.  Vol.  IV,  p. 
583,  1878. 

6.  That  we  commend  to  all  our  congregations  and  Sabbath -schools 
tlie  importance  of  organized  efforts  and  thorough  instruction  in  all 
phases  of  the  great  temperance  question.     Vol.  VI,  p.  32,  1884. 

It  becomes  the  duty  of  Christians  everywhere,  with  great  unanimity, 
while  differing  as  to  methods,  to  place  a  united  front  against  this  terrible 
system  of  iniquity,  and  do  all  in  their  power  to  accomplish  its  over- 
throw.    Vol.  VI,  p.  433,  1886. 

We  believe  that  recent  developments  in  the  wat  against  the  saloon 
call  loudly  to  our  Church  to  occupy  even  more  advanced  ground  in  her 
liostility  to  every  form  of  license  or  taxation.     Vol.  VII,  p.  423,  1890. 


TEMPERAXCE.  309 

4.  Prohibition.— i^eso/yec?,  5.  That  the  license  of  the  traffic  is  in- 
compatible with  the  welfare  of  the  State  ;  and  that  the  State  should  seek 
its  entire  prohibition.     Vol.  IV,  p.  494,  1877. 

Resolved,  7.  Individual  Christians  should  use  all  proper  means  for 
the  suppression  of  the  liquor  traffic.  Legal  prohibition,  moral  suasion, 
and  the  practice  of  total  abstinence  are  demanded.  Vol.  IV,  p.  583, 
1878. 

[The  General  Assembly  petitioned  the  Senate  of  Pennsylvania  to 
pass  the  House  bill  then  before  it,  for  a  prohibitory  amendment  to  the 
Constitution  of  the  State.     Vol.  V,  p.  343,  1881.] 

3.  That  it  is  our  fixed  pur|)ose  as  ministers  and  elders  to  prosecute 
the  work  of  temperance  reform  until  proliibition  shall  become  the  set- 
tled policy  of  our  nation  and  total  abstinence  the  universal  practice  of 
the  individual — that  we  will  seek  the  accomplishment  of  the  former  of 
tliese  objects  by  the  exercise  of  our  privileges  and  the  discharge  of  our 
duties  as  citizens,  and  of  the  latter  by  the  exercise  of  our  privileges  and 
the  discharge  of  our  duties  as  church  members.     Vol.  V,  p.  534,  1882. 

2.  Tiiat  as  a  civil  remedy  we  regard  absolute  prohibition  as  the  only 
efficient  one  for  the  great  evil. 

3.  That  as  an  Assembly,  we  regard  "  constitutional  amendment,"  as 
the  only  sure  method  of  securing  this  most  desirable  result,  and  that 
we  will  urge  upon  our  people  the  importance  of  seeking,  in  all  right 
ways,  to  secure  such  amendment.     Vol.  V,  p.  740,  1883. 

7.  That  there  can  be  no  compromise  with  this  evil  ;  that  absolute, 
unconditional  prohibition  is  the  end  at  which  we  should  aim,  and  the 
ultimatum  which  alone  we  are  willing  to  accept.  Vol.  VI,  p.  240, 
1885. 

2.  That,  as  it  is  in  the  power  of  the  General  and  State  governments, 
within  their  respective  jurisdiction,  to  abolish  and  prohibit  the  liquor 
traffic,  in  their  failure  to  do  so,  and  in  licensing,  taxing  or  taking  reve- 
nue of  the  liquor  traffic,  they  become  parties  in  the  nefarious  business, 
and  are  guilty  of  establishing  and  encouraging  iniquity  by  law. 

3.  That  is  the  duty  of  the  dominant  political  parties,  and  of  all  in  au- 
thority in  civil  government,  to  submit  the  prohibition  of  the  liquor 
traffic  to  a  vote  of  the  people  under  their  care,  and  not  to  bow  before 
the  Moloch  of  the  liquor  power. 

4.  That  we  unhesitatingly  declare  ourselves  for  the  prohibition  of  the 
liquor  traffic,  both  State  and  National,  and  will  labor  by  our  counsels, 
our  prayers  and  our  votes,  as  God  gives  us  to  see  the  right,  for  its 
speedy  accomplishment.     Vol.  VI.  p.  433,  1886. 

2.  That  we  regard  this  traffic  as  an  evil  which  can  never  be  removed  . 
without  political  action,  and  that  we  regard  its  entire  prohibition  as  the 
most  pressing  political  question  of  the  times;  and  that  it  therefore  be- 
comes our  duty  as  Christian  citizens,  in  the  careful  and  prayerful  use  of 
the  ballot,  to  meet  this  question  directly.     Vol,  VI,  p.  67G,"  1887. 

2.  That  we  give  anew  our  hearty  and  emphatic  endorsement  to  the 
proposition  that  prohibition  is  the  true  policy  for  the  State,  and  total 
abstinence  the  only  rule  for  the  individual. 

3.  That  we  rejoice  in  the  progress  made  in  many  States  toward  se- 
curing the  suppression  of  the  liquor  traffic  by  Prohibitory  Constitutional 
Amendment,  and  pledge  our  hearty  support  to  this  plan  for  the  over- 


310  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

throw  of  this  great  enemy  of  all  that  we  hold  dear.  Vol.  VII,  p.  20, 
1888. 

3.  That  we  continue  to  endorse  the  proposition  of  former  Assemblies, 
that  total  abstinence  is  the  only  safe  rule  for  the  individual,  and  prohi- 
bition by  law  of  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors  as  a 
beverage,  the  true  method  of  dealing  with  this  terrible  evil  by  the  State. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  227,  1889. 

Inasmuch  as  the  question  of  constitutional  amendment  prohibiting  the 
liquor  traffic  is  pending  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  is  to  be  de- 
cided at  a  popular  election,  to  be  held  on  the  18th  of  June,  next. 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly  heartily  approves  the  proposed 
amendment  and  earnestly  counsels  all  members  and  adherents  of  our 
congregations  in  Pennsylvania  to  work  and  vote  for  the  enactment. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  209.  1889.  [The  Assembly  issued  a  pastoral  letter  to  be 
read  in  all  the  Cliurches  before  the  election,  p.  235.] 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  earnestly  re<juest  Congress  to  speedily  pass  the 
bill  introduced  by  Senator  Wilson,  and  now  pending  in  the  Senate,  sub- 
jecting all  intoxicating  liquors  shipped  into  the  several  States  to  the 
'laws  thereof.     Vol.  VII,  p.  410,  1890. 

3.  That  we  regard  the  recent  decisions  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 
United  States  as  determining  tiie  place  which  this  question  must  hence- 
forth occupy  in  politics,  and  making  clear  that  nothing  short  of  absolute 
prohibition,  in  both  State  and  nation,  can  ever  work  deliverance  from 
this  great  and  growing  evil.      Vol.  VII,  p.  423,  1890. 

5.  License  for  the  Sale  of  Liquors  Wrong-. — Resolved,  2.  That, 

as  it  is  in  the  power  of  the  General  and  State  governments,  within 
tlieir  respective  jurisdiction,  to  abolish  and  prohibit  the  liquor  traffic, 
in  their  failure  to  do  so,  and  in  licensing,  taxing  or  taking  revenue  of 
the  liquor  traffic,  they  become  parties  in  tlie  nefarious  business,  and  are 
guilty  of  establishing  and  encouraging  iniquity  by  law.  Vol.  VI,  p. 
433,  188G. 

Knowing  that  the  Son  of  God  Avas  manifested,  not  to  regulate  but  to 
destroy  the  works  of  the  devil,  we,  his  servants,  declare: 

1.  That  all  measures  of  license  or  tax  are  wrong  in  principle  and  a 
failure  in  practice.     Vol.  VI,  p.  676,  1887. 

2.  That  any  form  of  license  or  taxation  of  the  liquor  traffic  is  un- 
scriptural  in  principle  and  contrary  to  good  government,  and  ought  to 
be  discouraged  by  every  Christian,  philanthropist  and  patriot.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  227,  1889. 

To  license  or  tax  the  traffic  is  no  remedy,  and  is  wrong  in  principle. 
The  privilege  to  sin  and  ruin  manhood  should  not  be  sold  at  any  price. 
The  Son  of  God  was  manifested  to  destroy,  not  to  regulate,  the  works  of 
the  devil. 

In  view  of  these  facts  we  recommend  the  following  action  : 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  reaffirm  the  past  utterances  of  the  Church 
upon  this  subject,  especially  that  of  the  Assembly  at  Springfield,  Ohio, 
in  1889,  viz:  "That  any  form  of  license  or  taxation  of  the  liquor 
traffic  is  unscriptural  in  principle  and  contrary  to  good  government, 
and  ought  to  be  discouraged  by  every  philanthropist  and  patriot." 

2.  Tiiat  partisan  friendship  for  the  saloon  must  be  accepted  as  hostil- 
ity to  the  Church,  the  home,  and  all   that  is  valuable  to  society.     No 


TEMPERANCE.  311 

party  is  worthy  the  support  of  Christian  men  that  fails  to  antagonize  the 
saloon. 

3.  That  we  favor  the  abolition  of  the  Government  tax  on  intoxicating 
liqnors,  as  making  the  nation  a  participant  in  the  crime  of  drunkard- 
making,  the  revenue  derived  from  this  tax  being  the  price  of  our 
brother's  l)lood.      Vol.  VII.  p.  6ol,  1891. 

6.  The  Duty  of  Christian  Citizens. — Resolved,  3.  That  we  recog- 
nize the  new  phases  ot  tliis  question,  presenting  themselves  in  the  ef- 
forts of  both  friend  and  foe  of  the  liquor  traffic,  and  we  accept  the  con- 
flict as  "an  irrepressible  "  one,  whicli  it  would  be  moral  cowardice  and 
treason  to  attempt  to  avoid. 

4.  That  we  approve  tlie  plan  of  obtaining  both  constitutional  and 
statutory  enactments  to  entirely  surpress  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  in- 
toxicants as  a  beverage  ;  and  hereby  urge  our  ministers  and  people  to 
co-operate,  in  all  pro|)er  efforts,  to  secure  such  legislation  as  will  speed- 
ily accomplish  this  end. 

0.  That  we  urge  all  our  ministers  and  people,  in  casting  their  ballots, 
to  support  for  office  only  such  candidates  as  are  practical  temperance 
men,  and  who  by  their  known  character  and  position  before  the  public, 
can  be  relied  on  to  aid  in  securing  and  enforcing  proper  legislation  on 
this  subject.     Vol.  V,  p.  3G4,  1881. 

4.  That  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  the  members  of  our 
churches  should,  as  Christian  people,  insist  on  the  presenting  of  such 
men  for  legislative  positions  as  shall  represent  them  on  this  matter  of 
temperance  reform.     Vol.  V,  p.  740,  1883. 

2.  That  we  regard  this  traffic  as  an  evil  which  can  never  be  removed 
without  political  action,  and  that  we  regard  its  entire  prohibition  as  the 
most  pressing  political  question  of  the  times  ;  and  that  it  therefore  be- 
comes our  duty  as  Christian  citizens,  in  the  careful  and  prayerful  use  of 
the  ballot,  to  meet  this  question  directly.     Vol.  VII,  p.  67G,  1887. 

1.  That  the  liquor  traffic  is  an  enemy  to  the  home,  to  society,  to 
the  church  and  to  the  State,  and  that  the  time  has  come  when  Christian 
people  should  cease  to  be  indifferent,  and  unite  their  efforts,  regardless 
of  previous  party  affiliations,  for  its  entire  suppression.  Vol.  VII,  p. 
227,  1889. 

2.  That  we  regard  the  traffic  in  intoxicating  liquors  as  a  sin  against 
God  and  a  crime  against  humanity;  and  condemn  all  forms  of  license, 
high  or  low,  as  morally  wrong,  laying  the  responsibility  for  the  exist- 
ence of  the  traffic  upon  the  State,  and  urge  upon  our  people  the  duty  of 
acting  with  prayerful  deliberation  in  the  exercise  of  their  citizenship, 
that  they  may  not  compromise  their  Christian  principles  or  complicate 
themselves  in  any  way  with  this  evil.     Vol.  VII,  p.  423,  1890. 

2.  That  partisan  friendship  for  the  saloon  must  be  accepted  as  hos- 
tility to  the  Church,  the  home,  and  all  that  is  valuable  to  society.  No 
party  is  worthy  the  support  of  Christian  men  that  fails  to  antagonize  the 
saloon.     Vol.  VII,  p.   651,  1891. 

7.  Temperance  Instruction  in  the  Public  Schools. — Resolved, 

5.  That  while  we  rejoice  in  the  good  work  done  by  the  women's  organ- 
ization in  disseminating  literature  and  providing  lectures,  and  thus 
helping  to  create  and  develop  a  correct  public  sentiment,  we  specially 
commend  and  second  their  effiarts  to  secure,  by  State  legislation,  the 


SI  2  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

introduction  in  our  public  schools  of  temperance  text  books,  and  in- 
struction in  regard  to  the  effect  of  the  use  of  alcohol  on  tiie  human 
system.     Vol.  YI,  p.  32,  1884. 

8.  Temperance  Meetings  on  the  Sabbath. — Resolved,  4.  While 

we  deem  it  the  duty  of  Christian  ministers  and  people  to  aid  in  advanc- 
injr  the  great  cause  of  temperance  reformation,  yet,  since  all  the  ways 
and  means  employed  are  not  such  as  are  proper  for  the  sacredness  of 
the  Lord's  day,  we  would  caution  ministers  and  people  against  holding 
or  attending  such  meetings  on  the  Sabbath  as  are  inconsistent  with  the 
sacredness  of  that  day.     Vol.  VI,  p.  240,  1885. 

5.  That,  *  *  *  while  not  endorsing  everything  they  [the 
Women's  Christian  Temperance  Union]  do, — notably,  som6  of  tlieir 
Sabbath  meetings — we  rejoice  in  the  great  and  good  work  they  are  ac- 
complishing.    Vol.  VI,  p.  433,   188G. 

9.  Unfermented  Wine  and  the  Lord's  Supper.— i?eso^vec?,  7. 

That  this  Assembly  urge  upon  sessions  to  ])rovide  only  unintoxicating, 
tliat  is,  unfermented,  wine  for  use  in  the  administration  of  the  Lord's 
Supper.     Vol.  V,  p.  3Go,  1881. 

7.  Tiiat  we  earnestly  recommend  Church  Sessions  to  provide  unfer- 
mented wine  for  Communion  purposes.      Vol.  VI,  p.  32,  1884. 

Resolved,  That  the  action  of  the  General  Assembly  of  1884,  recom- 
mending Church  Sessions  to  provide  unfermented  wine  for  Communion 
purposes,  be  re-afhrmed.      Vol.  VI,  p.  GGl,  1887. 

10.  Temperance  and  the  Week  of  Prayer. — [In  response  to  a 

memorial  from  tiie  ISational  Committee  of  the  Women's  Christian 
Temperance  Union,  the  General  Assembly  adopted  tiie  following  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  Assembly  does  hereby  petition  the  Interna- 
tional Committee  of  tiie  Evangelical  Alliance,  to  set  apart  one  day  of 
the  wt^ek  of  prayer  for  1881,  to  be  devoted  to  the  cause  of  temperance. 
Vol.  V,  p.  195,  1880.  [Similar  action  was  taken.  Vol.  V,  p.  364, 
1881  ;  p.  534,  1882,  p.  740,  1883  ;  VoL  VI,  p.  240,  1885.] 

Resolved,  5.  That,  *  *  *  in  case  of  the  refusal  of  this  request 
[for  a  day  in  the  week  of  prayer]  the  Principal  Clerk  of  the  Assembly 
be  authorized  and  directed  to  designate  the  day  on  which  this  subject 
shall  be  considered,  and  shall  ffive  notice  of  such  designation  through 
the  papers  of  the  Church.  VoL  V,  p.  535,  1882 ;  p.  740,  1883.  [Sim- 
ilar action  was  taken.  Vol.  VI,  p.  240,  1885.] 

11.  Temperance  and  the  international  Sabbath-School  Les- 
sons.— Resolved,  6.  That  we  ask  the  Committee  on  International  Sab- 
batii-school  Lessons  to  frequently  introduce  this  subject  ;  or,  if  this  is 
not  done,  that  our  own  Committee  be  directed  to  furnish  the  Church  with 
these  lessons.     Vol.  V,  p.  364,  1881. 

12.  United  Effort  with  Other  Denominations  to  Stay  In- 
temperance.— [On  certain  memorials  on  tlie  subject  of  temperance, 
tlie  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  heartily  endorse  the  sentiments  of  the  memor- 
ialists as  to  the  extent  of  this  evil,  the  greatness  of  the  danger,  and 
tlie  necessity  for  united  and  earnest  effort  to  resist  it. 

2.  That  in  order  to  secure  concert  of  action,  the  Assembly  instruct 
the  delegates  that  may  be  appointed  to  otlier  churches  to  lay  before 
them  our  desire  as  a  Church  to  unite  with  them  in  devising  and  carry- 
ing out  measures  to  stay  the  tide  of  intemperance  in  our  land. 


TEMPERANCE.  313 

3.  That,  in  the  meantime,  Synods  and  Presbyteries  be  requested  to 
hold  intercourse  with  similar  courts  of  other  denominations  in  their 
bounds,  and  seek  their  co-operation  in  such  measures  as  may  be  lawful 
^nd  necessary  to  promote  the  cause  of  temperance.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  271, 
1871. 

Resolvedy  4,  That  tlie  Assembly  hereby  appoints  *  *  *  as  a 
committee  of  correspondence,  to  invite  the  co-operation  of  various  eccle- 
siastical bodies  of  the  Christian  church,  to  unite  at  as  early  a  day  as 
possible  in  a  national  delegate  convention,  to  secure  a  movement  along 
the  entire  line,  by  the  organization  of  a  national  Christian  Temperance 
Alliance.     Vol.  IV,  p.  41,  1874. 

Resolved,  2.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  the  friends  of  God  and  humanity 
to  combine  their  efforts  for  the  suppression  of  intemperance,  and  its  re- 
moval from  the  churcli  and  the  country.     Vol.  IV,  p.  185,  1875. 

Resolved,  1.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly,  to 
meet  with  similar  committees  from  other  evangelical  cliurches,  to  de- 
vise a  plan  for  united  effort  in  the  cause  of  temperance,  on  the  part  of 
other  churches. 

3.  That  the  committee  on  correspondence  be  instructed  to  correspond 
immediately  with  otiier  churches,  informing  them  of  the  appointment  of 
the  above  committee,  and  of  the  time  and  place  of  meeting  ;  and  also 
requesting  them  to  appoint  similar  committees  to  meet  at  the  time  and 
place  named. 

4.  That  our  own  committee  be  instructed  to  prepare  a  plan  for  our 
own  direction  in  the  work,  if  the  other  churches  do  not  respond  to  the 
invitation.  Vol.  IV,  p.  494,  1877.  [For  the  report  of  this  committee, 
see  Vol.  IV,  p.  G33,  1878.] 

Resolved,  9.  That  *  *  *  i^e  appointed  a  permanent  committee 
to  confer  with  similar  committees  appointed  by  other  evangelical 
churches  with  regard  to  the  best  means  of  securing  united  effort  in  the 
cause  of  temperance  ;  such  committee  to  meet  at  such  time  and  place  as 
may  be  agreed  upon  on  consultation  with  the  committees  of  otlier 
churches  ;  and  report  their  proceedings  to  the  next  General  Assembly. 
-Vol.  IV,  p.  583,  1878. 

[This  committee  reported  :] 

Owing  to  the  fact  tiiat  your  Committee  received  no  notice  of  the  ap- 
pointment of  any  similar  committees  from  other  churches,  there  has  been 
no  meeting  during  the  year,  and  consequently  we  have  no  report  of 
"proceedings"  to  Briake.     Vol.  V,  p.  12,  1879. 

[Seven  delegates  were  appointed  to  the  National  Temperance  Con- 
vention to  meet  at  Saratoga,  N.  Y.     Vol.  V,  p.  3G5,  1881.] 

13.  Deleg-ates  to  the  American  Temperance  Congress.— [The 

General  Assembly  appointed  five  persons  to  represent  The  United 
Presbyterian  Church  in  the  American  Temperance  Congress  to  be  held 
in  New  York.  Vol.  VII,  p.  409,  1890.  For  the  report  of  the  dele- 
gates, see  p.  738,  1891.] 

14.  The  Temperance  Centennial. — Resolved,  2.  We  heartily  ap- 
prove the  setting  apart  of  the  week  commencing  September  20,  1885, 
as  a  Centennial  Temperance  Week,  and  that  ministers  and  Sabbath- 
schools  be  recommended  to  hold  suitable  temperance  services  on  Sab- 
bath, September   20,  and  suggest  that  on  that  day  a  contribution  be 


314  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

made  to  assist  in  distributing  temperance  literature  especially  among  the 
Freed  men. 

3.  We  recommend  that  Presbyteries  appoint  one  or  more  delegates  to 
attend  the  Centennial  Temperance  Conference  to  be  held  in  the  city 
of  Phihidelplnn,  Septemb'-r  23  and  24.  188.").      Vol.  VI.  p.  240,  1885. 

15.  The  Women's  Christian  Temperance  Movement  En- 
dorsed.— Resolved,  1.  That  we  endorse  tlie  Woman's  Christian  Tem- 
perance movement  as  the  movement  of  the  whole  church — because  it 
recognizes  God,  and  seeks  his  interposition  ;  because  it  assaults  directly 
and  personally,  in  the  spirit  of  Jesus,  the  strongholds  of  this  vice  ;  be- 
cause the  movement  has  proved  itself  good,  by  creating  a  healthy  public 
sentiment,  by  reducing  tlie  sale  of  intoxicants,  by  the  joy  it  has 
brought  to  many  a  household,  by  the  deliverance  it  has  affected  for 
many  a  victim,  by  restoring  the  operation  of  the  Sabbath  laws,  by 
illustrating  the  power  of  tlie  gospel  and  of  prayer,  and  by  giving  new 
life  and  energy  to  the  pulpit. 

3.  That  the  Assem!»ly  believes  that  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures, 
prayer,  the  singing  of  Psalms,  and  earnest  religious  admonition  and  re- 
buke belong  exclusively  to  no  privileged  class  oi'  sex,  but  devolve  upon 
all  members  of  the  church,  male  and  female,  and  are  to  be  used  for  the 
conversion  of  sinners  and  for  the  suppression  of  vice,  by  all  wlio  love 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Vol.  IV,  p.  41,  1874. 

4.  That  we  recognize  in  the  Women's  Christian  Temperance  Union 
a  powerful  and  most  etficient  ally  in  the  war  against  this  enemy  of 
"  (lOii  and  Home  and  Native  Land,"  and  we  bid  them  God  S))eed  in 
their  patient,  persistent,  heroic  and  prayerful  efforts  to  make  effective 
their  great  battle  cry,  "  The  saloon  must  go."     Vol.  VI,  p.  32,  1884. 

G.  We  highly  appreciate  the  spirit  and  work  of  the  National 
Women's  Christian  Temperance  Union,  in  its  general  aspect  as  carried 
forward  through  its.  ten  thousand  local  auxiliaries,  and  bid  our  sisters 
God-speed  in  their  brave  endeavor  "  For  God  and  Home  and  Native 
Land."     Vol.  VI,  p.  240,  1885. 

5.  That  in  the  rapid  progress  now  beinjc  made  in  the  cause  of  tem- 
perance, much  credit  is  due  to  the  prayers  and  labors  of  the  Women's 
Christian  Temperance  Union,  and  while  not  endorsing  everything  they 
do, — notably,  some  of  their  Sabbath  meetings, — we  rejoice  in  the 
great  and  good  work  they  are  accomplishin<i.  and  bid  them  God-speed. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  433,  1886. 

CXXVII.     TERMS   OF  COMMUNION. 
1.  Explanation  of  the  Sixteenth  Article  of  the  Testimony. — 

On  the  memorial  from  tiie  Second  Synod  of  tiie  AVest,  relative  to  cer- 
tain modifications  of  the  sixteenth  article  of  our  Testimony,  the  com- 
mittee on  Bills  and  Overtures  report  : 

It  is  well  known  to  those  who  are  familiar  with  the  history  of  the 
church,  that  the  faith  and  practice  of  both  churches,  jjreviously  to  the 
union  in  which  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  originated,  were  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  principles  of  restricted,  in  opposition  to  latitudinar- 
ian  communion.  This  article  did  not,  therefore,  introduce  a  new  prin- 
ciple into   the  United   Church,  but   defined  more  explicitly  than  had 


TERMS    OF    COMMUNION.  315 

previously  been  done,  the  ground  which  both  parties  occupied  before 
the  union  was  formed.  And  it  is  well  known  to  those  who  took  an  ac- 
tive part  in  the  establishment  of  the  union,  that  without  an  article  of 
this  kind,  that  union  which  gave  rise  to  such  hallowed  joy  could  not 
have  been  effected.  And  now,  after  this  union  has  been  brought  about, 
as  the  result  of  much  and  fervent  prayer,  and  long  and  laborious  efforts, 
is  it  wise  to  endanger  the  peace  of  the  church  by  attempting  to  effect  a 
change  ?  Does  not  mutual  good  faith  require  that  we  should  abide  by 
the  covenant  which  brought  us  together? 

The  memorial  desires  the  Assembly  to  modify  the  sixteenth  article  of 
our  Testimony,  "  so  as  to  concede  to  Sessions  the  authority  of  applying 
the  princi[)les  of  it,  as  their  own  discretion  may  direct." 

Your  committee  are  unable  to  see  the  necessity  for  such  a  modifica- 
tion. This  authority  Sessions  already  possess.  It  is  supposed  that 
Sessions  are  composed  of  men  of  understanding,  and  that  they  are  ac- 
quainted with  the  principles  which  they  have  embraced  ;  and  they  must 
of  course  exercise  their  discretion  in  the  application  of  these  principles 
as  cases  may  occur.  Sessions,  of  course,  are  responsible  for  the  manner 
in  which  they  exercise  this  discretion  ;  but  the  right  to  exercise  it  is  un- 
questionable. 

The  memorial  further  desires  the  Assembly  to  declare  that  "  Sessions 
be  not  authorized  to  receive  to  communion  any  but  such  as  would  be  re- 
ceived to  permanent  membership."  To  give  such  a  deliverance  is 
surely  unnecessary.  IS'o  such  authority  is  now  enjoyed  ;  and  we  are 
not  aware  that  any  Session  asks  for  such  authority.  If  it  should  come 
to  pass  that  any  Session  shall  ask  for  such  authority,  it  will  then  be  time 
enough  for  the  Assembly  to  say  whether  it  shall  be  granted. 

The  sixteenth  article  of  our  Testimony  lays  down  the  general  rule  on 
the  subject  of  communion,  by  which  the  church  is  to  be  governed  in  all 
ordinary  cases.  It  was  not  designed  to  make  provision  for  cases  of  an 
extraordinary  nature.  When  cases  of  this  kind  occur,  Sessions,  in  the 
exercise  of  a  wise  discretion,  must  dispose  of  them  as  may  be  for  the 
peace  and  edification  of  the  church. 

Your  committee  would,  therefore,  recommend  the  adoption  of  the 
following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  sixteenth  article  of  our  Testimony  defines,  in  a 
manner  sufficiently  explicit,  the  general  law  of  the  church  on  the  sub- 
ject of  communion,  and  no  modification  which  would  change  its 
character  is  required  at  the  present  time.     Vol.  II,  p.  488,  1868. 

2.  Adherence  to  the  Standards  to  be  Required  of  those 
Seeking  Communion  with  the  Church. — Resolved,  That  the  inter- 
ests of  tlie  United  Presbyterian  Church,  demand  not  the  preparation 
of  a  new  creed,  either  in  form  or  in  fact,  but  the  faithful  application  of 
the  principles  contained  in  her  standards.     Vol.  I,  p.  61,  1859. 

*  *  *  The  United  Presbyterian  Church  has  explicitly  declared  that 
an  adherence  to  the  Westminster  standards,  and  to  the  declarations 
contained  in  her  Testimony,  will  be  required  of  those  seeking  com- 
munion with  her.  *  *  *  The  United  Presbyterian  Church  claims  to 
be  honest  in  making  the  declarations  contained  in  her  Testimony ;  and 
those  who  will  not  give  her  credit  for  honesty  in  her  profession,  cer- 
tainly could  not  desire  to  enjoy  her  fellowship ;  nor  is  it  likely  they 


516  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

would  be  satisfied  with  any  explanation  which  she  could  give  of  her  re- 
ceived principles.   *   *   * 

Resolved,  That  on  the  subject  of  tlie  distinctive  principles  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church,  no  further  deliverance,  than  that  which 
is  contained  in  her  Testimonv  for  the  truth,  is  at  present  necessary. 
Vol.  I,  p.  61,  1859.  [Re-atiirmed,  Vol.  I,  p.  119,  1860;  Vol.  I,  p. 
55o,  1862.] 

The  memorialists  ask  three  questions :  First.  Are  our  distinctive 
principles,  as  well  as  the  doctrines  of  grace,  terms  of  communion  ? 
Second.  Is  it  consistent  with  our  standards  to  extend  communion  in  seal- 
ing ordinances  to  persons  retaining  membership  in  churches  holding 
principles  inconsistent  with  our  pi-ofession?  Third.  Should  a  Presby- 
tery tolerate  such  practices  by  the  ministers  and  Sessions  under  its 
care  ? 

Tiie  Assembly  cannot  but  express  its  surprise  that  such  questions 
should  ever  have  been  propounded.  It  is  not  possible  to  return  a  more 
explicit  affirmative  answer  to  the  first,  or  negative  answer  to  the  second, 
than  is  given  in  the  Testimony  of  the  Church,  as  adopted  at  the  for- 
mation of  the  Union. 

In  the  introduction  of  the  Testimony,  it  is  stated  that  an  "adherence 
to  the  Westminster  standards,  and  to  the  declarations  contained  in  the 
following  Testimony,  will  be  required  of  tliose  seeking  communion  with 
us."  And  in  the  16th  declaration,  we  find  the  following :  "  We  de- 
clare that  the  church  should  not  extend  communion  in  sealing  ordinances 
those  who  refuse  adiierence  to  her  profession,  or  subjection  to  her  gov- 
ernment and  discipline,  or  refuse  to  forsake  a  communion  inconsistent 
with  the  profession  she  makes."  Tliese  are  the  authoritative  statements 
of  the  doctrine  and  order  of  the  church.  The  Assembly  cannot  make 
them  any  clearer  or  more  emphatic.  While  the  courts  of  the  church 
may  and  ought  to  exercise  forbearance  in  love  towards  those  who  can- 
not fully  subscribe  to  these  declarations,  yet  they  may  not  tolerate  de- 
termined opposition  to  them,  or  wanton  practical  violation  of  them. 

The  church  has  thus  clearly  set  forth  the  law  on  this  subject;  the  ad- 
ministration of  it  is  left  to  the  inferior  courts.  It  is  their  manifest  duty, 
in  meekness  and  love,  to  do  all  they  can  to  persuade  all  under  their  care 
to  walk  orderly.  In  case,  however,  of  violation  of  the  law,  wantonly 
persisted  in,  as  the  last  resort,  recourse  must  be  had  to  regular  judicial 
process  in  the  proper  courts.  *  *  *  Xhe  Assembly  regard  the 
Testimony  of  the  church  as  sufficiently  explicit.  It  does  not  appear 
that  any  deliverance  that  can  be  made  will  render  its  meaning  any 
plainer  or  more  pointed.  Tlie  carrying  out  of  the  principles  of  the 
church  is  vested  in  the  inferior  courts,  and  not  in  the  Assembly. 
Whether  or  not,  therefore,  our  Testimony  is  duly  administered,  will  de- 
pend on  the  faithfulness  of  Sessions,  Presbyteries  and  Synods.  Vol.  I, 
p.  113,  1860,  [Re-affirmed,  Vol.  I,  p.  355,   1862.] 

It  has  long  since  been  distinctly  declared  by  the  Assembly,  that  what 
is  wanted  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  is  not  the  amendment  or 
modification  of  our  ecclesiastical  standards,  but  the  exercise  of  brotherly 
love  and  the  honest  and  faithful  application  of  our  avowed  principles. 
And  it  is  the  business  of  the  courts  of  the  church  to  see  that  the  princi- 
ples embodied  in  these  standards  are  faithfully  applied  in  practice. 


TERMS    OF    COMMUXIOX.  317 

Resolved,  That  the  former  action  of  the  General  Assembly  renders  it 
unnecessary  that  any  further  deliverance  should  be  given  at  this  time, 
on  the  subjects  to  whicli  the  memorialists  refer.     Vol.  I,  p.  482,  1868. 

Resolved,  2.  That  we  regard  it  as  inconsistent  with  that  integrity 
which  should  characterize  the  followers  of  Christ  to  espouse  a  profession, 
and  under  the  garb  of  that  profession  to  assail  its  well  known  and  ac- 
knowledged principles. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  persons  are  not  to 
be  tolerated  in  the  communion  of  the  Church  avowing  a  determined 
opposition  to  the  standards,  which  we  are  most  solemnly  pledged  to 
maintain.     Vol.  II,  p.  307,  1866. 

[See,  also,  Hill's  case.  McCune's  casp,  and  Secret  Societies.] 

3.  Sessions  Must  Exercise  a  Wise  Discretion  in  Admitting- 
Persons  to  the  Communion  of  the  Church. — In  the  case  of  the 

adirission  of  members,  Sessions  are  affectionately  recommended  to  use 
great  tenderness  towards  tiie  weak,  or  such  as  are  earnestly  inquiring 
after  the  trutii.     Vol.  II,  p.  31,  1864. 

The  memorial  desires  the  Assembly  to  modify  the  XVI th  Article  of 
our  Testimony,  "  so  as  to  concede  to  Sessions  the  authority  of  applying 
the  principles  of  it,  as  tlieir  own  discretion  may  direct." 

Your  committee  are  unable  to  see  the  necessity  for  such  a  modifica- 
tion. This  authority  Sessions  already  possess.  It  is  supposed  that 
Sessions  are  composed  of  men  of  understanding,  and  that  they  are 
acquainted  with  the  principles  which  they  have  embraced  ;  and  they 
must,  of  course,  exercise  their  discretion  in  the  application  of  these 
principles  as  cases  may  occur.  Sessions,  of  course,  are  responsible  for 
the  manner  in  which  they  exercise  this  discretion  ;  but  the  right  to 
exercise  it  is  unquestionable.  *  *  *  The  XVIth  Article  of  our 
Testimony  lays  down  the  general  rule  on  the  subject  of  communion,  by 
which  the  Cliurch  is  to  be  governed  in  all  ordinary  cases.  It  was  not 
designed  to  make  provision  for  cases  of  an  extraordinary  nature.  When 
cases  of  this  kind  occur,  Sessions,  in  the  exercise  of  a  wise  discretion, 
must  dispose  of  them  as  may  be  for  the  peace  and  edification  of  the 
Church.     5i^     *     * 

Resolved,  That  the  XVIth  Article  of  our  Testimony  defines,  in  a 
manner  sufiiciently  explicit,  the  general  law  of  the  Church  on  the  sub- 
ject of  communion,  and  no  modification  which  would  change  its  char- 
acter is  required  at  tlie  present  time.      Vol.  II,  p.  488,  1868. 

4.  Forbearance  in  Love  Defined. — And  furtlier,  she  [the  United 

Presbyterian  Churcli]  iias  distinctly  affirmed  that  the  forbearance  in 
love,  which  the  law  of  God  requires,  is  to  be  exercised  towards  those 
who  follow  the  things  which  make  for  peace,  and  things  wherewith  one 
may  edify  another  ;  and  not  to  those  who  determinedly  oppose  the 
standards  of  the  Church.  And  such  forbearance  has  always  been  exer- 
cised in  both  branches  of  the  united  body.     Vol.  I,  p.  61,  1859. 

While  the  courts  of  the  Church  may  and  ought  to  exercise  forbear- 
ance in  love  towards  those  who  cannot  fully  subscribe  to  these  declara- 
tions, yet  they  may  not  tolerate  determined  opposition  to  them,  or 
wanton  practical  violation  of  them.  Vol.  I,  p.  113,  1860.  [Re-affirmed, 
Vol.  I,  p.  355,  1862.] 

And,  finally,  in  the  consummation  of  the  union,  in  the  joint  action  of 


518  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

tlie  two  Synods,  it  is  distinctly  declared,  in  reference  to  that  forbear- 
ance which  is  to  be  exercised,  that  "  it  is  agreed  between  the  two 
churches  that  the  forbearance  in  love  which  is  required  by  the  law  of 
God  will  be  exercised  towards  any  brethren  who  may  not  be  able  fully 
to  subscribe  the  standards  of  the  United  Church,  while  they  do  not  de- 
terminedly oppose  them,  but  follow  the  things  whicli  make  for  peace, 
and  things  wherewith  one  may  edify  another." 

Here  it  is  very  plainly  declared  that  the  forbearance  which  is  to  be 
exercised  in  love  is  simply  that  which  the  law  of  God  requires  ;  noth- 
ing less  ;  nothing  more.  And  does  any  one  object  to  the  exercise  of 
such  forbearance  ?  Then,  towards  whom  is  this  forbearance  to  be  ex- 
ercised ?  Not  towards  those  who  are  troublers  of  Israel;  not  towards 
those  who  openly  oppose  the  doctrines  subscribed  in  our  standards  ;  not 
towards  the  advocates  of  error;  but  towards  those  whose  minds, 
though  they  may  not  be  able  fully  to  subscribe  some  of  our  distinctive 
principles,  are  yet  open  to  conviction;  who,  in  the  meantime,  demean 
themselves  in  an  orderly  manner,  following  the  things  wliich  make  for 
peace,  and  things  wherewith  one  may  edify  another.  Vol.  I,  p.  118, 
18G0. 

In  answer  to  the  second  point  in  the  memorial,  we  refer  the  brethren 
to  the  explicit  statement  made  by  the  Assembly  of  1860,  Vol.  I,  pp. 
113,  118,  from  which  it  will  be  seen  that  the  foibearance  intended  to 
be  exercised  in  all  such  cases  is  not  of  that  character  which  in  any  de- 
gi-ee  gives  countenance  to  the  advocates  of  error,  or  to  tho^e  who  are 
openly  opposed  to  the  doctrines  of  our  standards.  But  at  the  same 
time,  we  lay  down  this  necessary  rule  as  the  result  of  that  charity  that 
•'  rejoiceth  in  the  truth,"  yet  "  beareth  long  and  is  kind,"  viz.:  That 
those  who  have  not  such  a  degree  of  light  respecting  any  article  of  our 
distinctive  principles  as  would  lead  them  fully  to  embrace  it,  whose 
minds  are  yet  open  to  conviction,  who  are  seeking  to  know  the  truth, 
who  are  not  determinedly  opposing  the  principle,  and  who  conduct 
themselves  in  an  orderly  and  Christian  manner,  may  be  admitted  and 
retained  in  the  fellowship  of  the  church.  This  has  been  the  common 
faith  and  practice  of  tiie  bodies  comprising  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church.      Vol.  I,  p.  355,  18G2. 

According  to  the  articles  of  Union,  tlie  forbearance  in  love,  required 
by  the  law  of  God,  is  to  be  exercised  toward  any  brethren  who  may  not 
be  able  fully  to  subscribe  to  all  the  standards  of  the  United  Church, 
■while  they  do  not  determinedly  oppose  them,  but  follow  the  things 
which  make  for  peace  and  things  whereby  one  may  edify  another. 
Vol.  VI,  ]i.  GG3,  1887.      [See  section  following.] 

5.  The  Terms  of  Communion  may  be  Chang-ed.— The  memor- 
ial asks  the  following  question  :  ''  Can  a  minister  or  elder  be  and  con- 
tinue to  be  in  good  standing  in  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  who 
proposes  or  votes  to  overture  the  (juestion  of  expunging  any  article  of 
the  Confession  of  Faith  or  of  the  Testimony,  or  any  distinctive  princi- 
ple or  ordinance  of  worship,  held  and  observed  by  the  said  United  Pres- 
byterian Church,  or  who  labors  and  votes  in  the  Presbytery  for  such 
overture  after  it  has  been  sent  down  by  the  Assembly?" 

The  question  of  the  memorialist  is  somewhat  indefinite.  We  do  not 
regard  it  as  wise,  ordinarily,  for  the  Assembly  to  decide  hypothetical 


THEOLOGICAL    SEMINARIES.  319 

cases  when  the  existing  laws  of  the  Church  are  sufficient  for  all  practical 
purposes,  if  properly  enforced. 

Sec.  5,  Art.  IV,  Chap.  Y.  of  tlie  Book  of  Government,  reads  as  fol- 
lows :  "Before  any  regulation  affecting  the  doctrine,  worship  or  govern- 
ment of  the  Church  shall  be  adopted  or  made  binding,  it  shall  be  trans- 
mitted in  overture  to  all  the  Presbyteries,  «S:c."  This  language  plainly 
implies  that  such  matters  are  subject  to  tlie  test  of  overture,  and  anv 
member  of  the  Church  has  a  right  to  proceed  in  an  orderly  manner  in 
the  exercise  of  the  priveleges  implied  in  this  law.  And  attcoVdiug  to  the 
articles  of  union,  the  forbearance  in  love,  required  by  the  law  of  God, 
is  to  be  exercised  toward  any  brethren  who  may  not  be  able  fully 
to  subscribe  to  all  the  standard:;  of  the  United  Church,  while  tliev  do 
not  determinedly  oppose  tiiem,  but  follow  the  things  whicli  make  for 
peace  and  things  whereby  one  may  edifv  another.  Vol.  YI,  \>.  GG3, 
1887.  '  1  » 

CXXYIII.     TPTANKSGIVIXG  PROCLAMATION. 

[The  General  Assembly  addressed  a  petition  to  the  President  of  the 
United  .States]  for  the  distinct  acknowledgment  of  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  our  nation,  in  the  proclamation  which 
calls  us  as  a  Christian  nation  people  to  the  worship  of  him,  in  whose 
presence  we  can  find  acceptance  only  through  the  mediation  of  the 
Savior.     Yol.  YII,  p.  422,  1890. 

Inasmuch  as  there  seems  to  be  a  studied  effort  upon  the  part  of  the 
Chief  Magistrate  to  ignore  the  name  of  Christ  in  the  annual  Thanks- 
giving Proclamation,  therefore, 

Eesuh-ed,  1.  That  the  Moderator  and  Clerk  be  instructed  to  issue  a 
Thanksgiving  Proclamation  in  the  name  of  Christ  to  whom  all  thanks 
are  due,  and  that  the  day  appointed  be  the  day  chosen  by  the  President 
of  the  United  States. 

^  2.   That  pastors  be  requested  to  read  said  proclamation  from  the  pul- 
pit in  connection  with  the  annual  Thanksgiving  service. 

3.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  bring  the  whole  subject  before 
the  religious  bodies  of  the  United  States.     Yol.  YII,  p.  G31,  1891. 

CXXIX.     THEOLOGICAL    SEMINARIES. 

1.  Theological  Seminaries  Under  the  Care  of  the  Assembly. 

— [A  memonai  asking  the  Assembly  to  in(|uire  into  the  expediency  of 
taking  the  seminaries  under  its  control  and  of  consolidating  them,  was 
referred  to  a  special  committee.  Tiie  report  of  this  committee,  which 
was  laid  on  the  table,  closed  witii  these  resolutions  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  it  is  inexpedient  for  the  Assembly  to  take  any 
steps  towai-d  assuming  the  immediate  supervision  of  the  theological 
seminaries  of  our  Church. 

2.  That  it  is  not  expedient  to  consolidate  the  theological  seminaries 
into  one,  or  even  two. 

3.  That  the  Committee  on  Overtures  be  directed  to  report  what  gen- 
eral rules  should  be  adopted  by  the  Assembly,  for  securing  uniformity 
in  conducting  the  theological  education  of  the  Church.  Yol.  1,  u.  44], 
1862. 


320  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

[The  followinof  question  was  overtured  to  Presbyteries  :]  Sliall  the 
General  Assembly  iiave  the  power  of  establishing  and  regulating  the 
theological  seminaries  of  the  Church?  Vol.  I,  p.  oGl,  18G2.  [The 
vote  on  this  overture  was:  Ayes,  243;  nays,  230;  not  voting,  12. 
Vol.  I,  p.  490,  1863.] 

[The  report  of  1862  was  taken  from  the  table  by  the  Assembly  of 
1864,  Vol.  II,  p.  9,  1864,  when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Whereas,  Your  committee  are  informed  that  the  Book  of  Govern- 
ment and  Discipline,  soon  to  be  laid  before  the  Assembly,  contains  a 
declaration  of  principles  concerning  the  Assembly's  power  over  and 
duties  unto  the  theological  seminaries  of  the  Church  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  no  action  be  taken  by  the  Assembly  upon  this  subject 
until  after  the  adoption  of  a  Book  of  Government  and  Discipline.  Vol. 
II,  p.  11,  1864. 

The  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  feeling 
that  the  interests  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  in  her  hands  require  that 
the  theological  seminaries  of  the  Church  be  under  her  supervision,  does 
hereby  adopt  the  following  as  a  basis  of  action  in  bringing  these  under 
her  control  and  direction  :  It  belongs  to  the  General  Assembly — 1. 
To  determine  the  number  and  location  of  her  seminaries.  2.  To  fix 
and  arrange  the  course  of  study.  3.  To  determine  the  number  of  pro- 
fessorships, and  designate  the  class  of  studies  belonging  to  each.  4.  To 
elect  the  board  or  boards  of  directors,  o.  To  fill  the  chairs,  and  fix  the 
salaries  of  the  respective  professors. 

In  case  any  Synod  or  Synods  having  a  seminary  under  their  care 
wish  to  place  it  under  the  care  of  the  General  Assembly  it  may  be  done 
in  the  following  manner  : 

1.  The  constitution  of  said  theological  seminary  shall  remain  in  full 
force  after  the  transfer,  until  the  General  Assembly  shall  prepare  and 
adopt  a  new  or  an  amended  constitution. 

2.  That  the  board  or  boards  of  directors  and  trustees  shall  continue 
the  same  as  at  the  time  of  the  transfer,  until  otherwise  directed  by  the 
General  Assembly. 

3.  That  the  professors  shall  retain  their  respective  chairs  until  said 
chairs  shall  be  vacated  by  resignation,  death  or  removal. 

4.  That  all  moneys,  obligations,  stocks  and  property,  personal  and 
real,  belonging  to  such  seminary,  shall  be  transferred  to  the  General 
Assembly,  to  be  expended  in  the  interests  of  said  seminary,  or  consoli- 
dated seminary,  into  which  it  may  be  merged  by  the  General  Assembly. 

5.  That  when  the  Synod  or  Synods  owning  such  seminary  shall  have 
complied  with  the  above  action,  and  have  notified  the  princi[)al  clerk  of 
the  General  Assembly  of  their  action  in  this  transfer,  such  seminary 
shall  be  considered  thenceforward  under  the  supervision  of  the  General 
Assembly. 

6.  That  the  principal  clerk  shall  give  notice,  through  the  papers  of 
the  Church,  of  the  transfer  of  such  seminary  or  seminaries,  when  noti- 
fied thereof. 

7.  That  the  respective  Boards  having  control  of  the  seminaries  shall 
be  notified  of  this  action.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  149,  1870.  [The  above  action 
is  known  as  the  "  Enabling  Act."] 

1.   In  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly,  the   theological   seminary  at 


THEOLOGICAL    SEMINARIES.  321 

Monmouth,  Ills.,  has  complied  with  the  conditions  of  the  "  Enabling 
Act,"  adopted  by  the  last  Assembly,  and  has  been  placed  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  General  Assembly  ;  but  it  is  inexpedient  for  this  Assembly 
to  perform  any  acts  of  government  over  that  seminary.  The  Assembly, 
therefore,  leaves  its  management  for  the  time  being  with  its  board  of  di- 
rectors. 

2.  Whereas,  it  is  questioned  whether  the  theological  seminaries  at 
Newburgh  and  Xenia  have  fully  complied  with  the  "  Enabling  Act  "  of 
the  last  Assembly,  this  Assembly  declines  to  recognize  them  as  under  its 
control. 

3.  That  the  "  Enabling  Act  "  be  continued  in  force,  and  amended  so 
as  to  provide  that — 

I.  No  seminary  shall  be  removed  from  its  present  locality  or  consoli- 
dated with  any  others  without  the  consent  of  the  Synod  or  Synods  here- 
tofore controlling  it. 

II.  That  the  responsibility  of  providing  for  the  pecuniary  support  of 
any  seminary  shall  not  rest  on  the  General  Assembly,  but  each  one  on 
its  board  of  directors. 

III.  That  the  title  to  the  property  of  each  seminary  shall  be  vested  in 
a  board  of  trustees,  in  the  place  where  the  seminary  is  located,  ap- 
pointed by  a  board  of  directors  elected  by  the  General  Assembly. 

IV.  In  order  to  a  complete  transfer,  all  the  property,  which  the  Synod 
or  Synods  controlling  any  seminary  have  a  right  to  transfer,  must  be 
placed  under  the  control  of  the  General  Assembly;  but  no  transfer  shall 
be  deemed  complete,  until  all  the  seminaries  have  been  transferred,  ac- 
cording to  the  terms  of  the  "  Enabling  Act,"  as  hereby  amended. 

4.  In  expectation  that  all  the  seminaries  of  the  church  shall  be  placed 
under  the  control  of  the  General  Assembly,  this  Assembly  refers  the 
statutes  reported  by  the  joint  committee  to  the  next  Assembly,  and  re- 
quires all  seminaries  that  may  be  placed  under  Assembly's  control  to  re- 
port to  that  Assembly. 

5.  In  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  the  authority  vested  in  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  by  the  Form  of  Government,  Art.  IV,  Sec.  3,  includes — 

I.  The  confirming  of  the  election  of  professors  by  directors  or  Synods. 

II.  The  fixing  of  the  term,  sessions  and  course  of  study. 

III.  The  regulation  and  conduct  of  examinations.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  258, 
1871. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  "  Enabling  Act  "  of  the  Twelfth  General  As- 
sembly, as  amended  by  the  Thirteenth,  be  continued  in  force,  in  the 
hope  that  the  way  may  yet  be  made  clear  for  placing  all  our  seminaries 
more  completely  under  the  care  of  the  Assembly.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  528, 
1873. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  committee  be  appointed,  whose  duty  it  shall  be 
to  tender  to  the  respective  Synods,  at  their  approaching  meetings,  the 
provisions  of  the  "  Enabling  Act"  of  1870,  and  request  favorable 
action  in  reference  to  the  transfer  of  the  theological  seminaries  to  the 
care  of  the  General  Assembly.     Vol.  IV,  p.  27,  1874. 

Whereas,  Six  out  of  the  eight  Synods  of  the   Church  have  ap- 
pi'oved  of  the   transfer  of  the  seminaries   to  the  control  of  the  General 
Assembly,  according  to  the  terms  of  the  "  Enabling  Act"  of  1870  and 
1871  ;  and, 
21 


322  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Whereas,  The  interest  of  theolojrical  education  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Churcli  requires  such  transfer  :  therefore, 

Resolved,  \.  Tiiat  the  "Enabling  Act"  be  recognized  as  still  in 
force. 

2.  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly  to  bring 
the  whole  subject  before  the  Synods  that  have  not  yet  approved  this 
measure,  and  in  case  they  act  favorably,  to  report  to  the  next  Assembly 
statutes  for  the  government  of  the  seminaries,  and  a  plan  for  completing 
the  transfer.     VoL  IV,  p.  185,  1875. 

It  appears,  from  tlie  report  of  the  committee  placed  in  our  hands,  that 
the  Synod  of  New  York  judges  such  transfer  inexpedient  at  the  present 
time.  The  Synod  of  Ohio  lias  given  no  deliverance  upon  the  subject. 
The  First  Synod  of  the  West  has  rescinded  her  action,  previously  taken, 
approving  of  the  transfer.     We  recommend  the  following : 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  refer  the  whole  subject  to  some  future 
General  Assembly,  when  the  action  of  the  Synods  may  appear  more 
favorable.     Vol.  IV,  p.  319,  1876. 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  report  to  the  next 
Assembly  what  steps  are  necessary  to  place  our  Theological  Seminaries 
under  the  control  and  direction  of  the  General  Assembly.  Vol.  VII,  p. 
655,1891. 

2.  Consolidation  of  Theological  Seminaries.— [This   subject 

was  discussed  by  a  committee  of  the  Assembly.  Vol.  I,  p.  440,  1862.] 
Resolved,  That  the  Synods  be  requested  to  report  to  the  next  Assem- 
bly, whether  they  are  in  favor  of  uniting  the  theological  seminaries  of 
our  church  into  one  or  two  ;  and,  if  in  favor,  then  report  the  conditions 
of  such  consolidation.  Vol.  II,  p.  309,  1866.  [Several  Synods  re- 
ported, but  no  action  seems  to  have  been  taken  by  the  Assembly.] 

3.  Proposed  Statutes  for  the  Government  of  Theological 

Seminaries. — [Such  statutes  were  prepared  by  a  committee  appointed 
for  this  purpose,  and  published  by  order  of  the  Assembly.  Vol.  Ill,  p. 
258,  1871.] 

4.  Curriculum  of  Study  in  Theological  Seminaries.— [A  com- 
mittee, appointed  with  a  view  ol  securing  uniformity  in  tlie  curriculum 
of  our  colleges  and  seminaries,  presented  a  report  to  the  Assembly  of 
1866,  Vol.  II,  p.  308,  1866,  which  was  recommitted.  The  committee 
reported  to  the  Assembly  of  1867,  Vol.  II,  p.  421,  1867,  when  their 
report  was  referred  to  the  next  Assembly,  by  wliich  it  was  adopted.] 

Resolved,  4.  Tliat  the  course  of  study  shall  be, — 

I.  The  reading   and  critical  analysis  of  the  Bible  in   the  original 
languages,  as  a  regular  exercise  throughout  the  whole  course. 
II.   Biblical  History  and  Antiquities. 

III.  Sacred  Geography  and  Chronology. 

IV.  Ecclesiastical  History  and  Church  Government. 
V.  Systematic,  Didactic  and  Polemic  Theology. 

VI.   Sacred  Rlietoric. 
VII.   Pastoral  Tiieology. 

VIII.  Composition  and  Delivery  of  Discourses. 
IX.   Evidences  of  Christianity. 
X.  Lectures  on  Experimental  and  Practical  Religion.     Vol.  II, 
p.  487,  1868. 


THEOLOGICAL    SEMINARIES.  323 

Besolved,  3.  That  the  course  of  study  should  be  carefully  arranged  so 
as  to  include  all  the  essential  parts  of  a  complete  course,  suited  to  the 
demands  of  the  times,  of  exegetical,  systematic,  historical  and  pastoral 
tJieology. 

4.  That  the  professors  in  our  seminaries  be  i-equested  to  take  this 
subject  into  immediate  and  careful  consideration  ;  and,  at  tlieir  earliest 
convenience,  to  meet  for  the  arrangement  of  such  a  course  of  study, 
iind  the  designation  of  text-books  to  be  used  in  it ;  this  meeting  not  to 
be  later  than  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  August,  so  as  to  give  due  time 
for  doing  all  that  may  be  judged  practicable  or  desirable  in  the  matter, 
and  announcing  the  result  before  the  opening  of  tiie  next  session  ;  their 
conclusions  to  be  reported  to  the  next  Assembly  for  approval  or  amend- 
ment.    Vol.  Ill,  p.  528,  1873.     [Their  report  was  adopted  as  follows  :] 

Systematic  Theology. — Resolved,  1.  That  it  is  inexpedient  to 
designate  any  special  text-book  in  tlie  department  of  systematic  the- 
ology, aside  from  the  Scriptures  and  our  subordinate  standards,  to 
which,  of  course,  constant  reference  should  be  had  ;  and  that  it  is  wise 
to  allow,  in  the  method  of  instruction,  a  wide  latitude  for  the  individual 
tastes  and  preferences  of  the  professors. 

2.  That  the  entire  system  of  theology  be  divided  into  three  sections, 
which  shall  be  studied  in  their  order,  in  as  many  sessions,  so  as  to  com- 
plete, in  three  years,  the  entire  regular  course,  and  that  the  same 
section  be  studied  each  year  in  all  the  seminaries,  the  first  section  to 
close  with  the  topic  of  the  Divine  Decrees,  the  second  with  that  of  the 
Offices  of  Christ,  the  third  to  end  with  the  close  of  the  commonly  recog- 
nized system. 

3.  That,  whereas,  it  is  ascertained  that  in  three  of  the  seminaries  the 
second  of  the  aforesaid  sections  would,  according  to  present  arrange- 
ments, form  the  subject  of  instruction  during  the  next  session,  therefore 
that  section  shall  be  the  subject  of  tuition  in  all  the  seminaries  during 
the  ensuing  regular  session. 

Church  Government  and  History Resolved,  1.  That  the  at- 
tention of  the  students  during  the  first  session  be  occupied  with  the 
history  of  the  Old  Testament  Church  ;  during  the  second,  the  organi- 
zation of  the  New  Testament  Church  and  its  history  to  the  Reformation  ; 
and  during  the  third,  the  Reformation  and  the  history  following  to  the 
present  time. 

2.  That  the  Bible,  with  Kurtz,  or  such  other  works  as  may  be  con- 
sidered useful  in  different  parts  of  the  course,  be  used  as  text-books. 

Biblical  Criticism  and  Hermeneutics Resolved,  1.  That  as 

far  as  possible  the  Greek  Testament  shall  be  read  over  in  the  course  of 
three  years — the  gospels  forming  the  section  for  the  first  year ;  the 
Acts,  with  the  Epistles  to  the  Romans  and  the  Corinthians  for  the 
second  year ;  and  thence  to  the  close  of  the  New  Testament,  for  the 
third  year ;  and  that,  in  addition,  certain  portions  be  selected,  each  ses- 
sion, for  particular  exegetical  examination. 

2.  That,  in  view  of  present  arrangements  in  the  seminaries,  the 
second  of  the  foregoing  sections  shall  form  the  subject  of  study  for  the 
ensuing  session. 

3.  That  the  reading  of  the  Hebrew  Scriptures  shall  be  in  the  follow- 
ing order  of  sections,  namely  :  The  historical  books  in  the  first  session  ; 


324  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

the  books  of  Job,  Psalms,  Proverbs,  Ecclesiastes  and  the  Song  of  Solo- 
mon in  the  second,  and  the  remaining  books  in  the  third  session — the 
professors  to  exercise  their  discretion  in  selecting  from  time  to  time 
portions  within  tiie  divisions  just  specified,  and  that  the  first  section 
furnish  the  subject  of  study  during  the  ensuing  session, 

4.  That  in  the  department  of  biblical  criticism  and  hermeneutics,  the 
professor  shall,  by  lectures  or  otherwise,  labor  to  familiarize  the  students 
under  th^ir  care  v^ith  the  great  questions  claiming  consideration  in  con- 
nection with  these  subjects. 

Pastoral  Theology Resolved,  That  in  the  department  of  pas- 
toral theology  the  course  shall  be  divided  into  three  parts,  one  for  each 
session,  in  the  following  order,  namely  :  For  the  first  year  the  Directory 
for  Church  Government  ;  for  the  second  year  homiletics;  it  being  un- 
derstood, however,  that  each  student  shall  have  exercises  in  the  compo- 
sition and  delivery  of  sermons,  in  reading  and  public  speaking,  through 
the  whole  course  of  the  seminary ;  and  for  the  third,  the  Directory  for 
Worship  and  tbe  pastoral  work  generally. 

Advanced  Course. — Resolved,  That  the  licentiates  shall  be  re- 
quired to  give  special  attention  to  present  forms  of  skepticism  and 
unbelief,  church  discipline,  exercises  in  sacred  rhetoric,  and  whatever 
else  may  be  needed  to  complete  their  seminary  training  for  the  work  of 
the  ministry  in  both  the  home  and  foreign  fields.    Vol.  IV,  p.  87,  1874. 

0.  Additions  to  the  Curriculum. — Resolved,  l.  That  the  proper 
professors  in  our  Theological  Seminaries  be  requested  to  give  due  atten- 
tion to  the  instruction  of  the  students  iri  the  nature,  duties  and  respon- 
sibilities of  the  office  of  the  ruling  elder.     Vol.  V,  p.  20,  1879. 

G.  That  the  Directors  of  our  Theological  Seminaries  be  directed  to 
make  suitable  provision  for  the  special  training  of  the  theological  stu- 
dents for  Sabbath-school  work,     Vr.l.  VII,  p.  230,  1889. 

That  a  committee  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly,  to  consider  plans 
for  securing  additional  training  of  students  in  the  seminaries  for  evan- 
gelistic work,  and  report  upon  the  same  to  the  Synods  having  oversight 
of  the  seminaries  and  to  the  next  General  Assembly.  Vol.  VII,  p.  653, 
1891. 

6.  Term  of  Study  in  Theological  Seminaries. — Resolved,  l. 

That  the  term  of  study  in  our  theological  seminaries  shall  be  three  years, 
and  the  length  of  the  sessions  seven  months,  commencing  on  the  first 
Tuesday  of  Septeml)er,  and  terminating  on  the  fourth  Thursday  of 
March.     Vol.  II,  p.  486,  1868. 

Resolved,  6.  That  the  term  of  study  in  all  our  seminaries  shall  be 
four  annual  sessions  of  six  months  each,  beginning  on  the  first  Tuesday 
of  October,  annually,  and  that  Presbyteries  should  enjoin  on  their  stu- 
dents and  secure  from  them,  all  reasonable  diligence  in  study  during  the 
the  vacations  of  the  seminaries.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  258,  1871. 

Resolved,  1.  That  this  General  Assembly  hereby  modifies  the  regula- 
tions adopted  by  the  last  General  Assembly  requiring  four  terms  of  the- 
ological study  of  six  months  each,  by  substituting  three  terms  of  seven 
months  each,  and  an  advanced  course,  which  shall  be  optional  for  stu- 
dents of  the  fourth  year.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  422,  1872. 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  term  of  study  prior  to  licensure  in  our  semin- 
aries be  three  years  of  seven  months  each,  beginning  on  the  first  Wed- 
nesday of  October. 


TOBACCO.  325 

2.  That  for  the  benefit  of  licentiates  who  have  gone  through  the 
aforesaid  term,  there  shall  be  an  advanced  course  of  three  months, 
beginning  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  October.     Vol.  IV,  p.  86,  1874. 

Resolved,  That  hereafter  the  seminary  sessions  begin  on  the  first 
Wednesday  of  September,  and  continue  seven  months.  Vol.  IV  d. 
319,  1876.  '  ^ 

Resolved,  That  the  term  of  study  hereafter  in  the  Tiieological  Semin- 
aries of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  shall  be  three  years  of  eight 
montlis  each,  beginning  with  the  first  Wednesday  of  September,  and 
ending  with  the  last  Wednesday  of  April.     Vol.  VII,  p.  432,  1890. 

See  Licensure,  Sec.  4. 

7.  Examination  of  Students  in  Theological   Seminaries.— 

Resolved,  5.  That  the  examination  in  our  seminaries  be  conducted  with 
written  questions,  to  be  prepared  for  each  seminary  under  the  direction 
of  its  board  of  superintendents;  these  questions  for  each  session,  to 
cover  the  subjects  studied  in  it,  and  to  be  put  into  the  hands  of  the  stu- 
dents at  its  close  for  written  answers,  and  that  for  an  approved  examin- 
ation satisfactory  answers  to  at  least  two-thirds  of  the  questions  proposed 
be  required.  In  cases  of  failure,  a  second  examination  may  be  allowed 
at  a  convenient  time.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  528,  1873. 

8.  The  Election  of  Theological  Professors.— [The  Synod  of 

Ts'ew  York  and  the  Second  Synod  interpreted  the  action  of  the  Assem- 
bly of  1871  [5:  1,  above,]  as  requiring  tlie  election  of  professors  in  the 
Theological  Seminaries  to  be  reported  to  the  General  Assembly  for  con- 
firmation, and  reported  their  action  in  the  election  of  professors  in  their 
seminaries.  The  action  of  these  synods  was  confirmed  by  the  General 
Assembly.]  Vol.  Ill,  p.  381,  1872. 
^  [The  election  of  three  professors  in  the  Theological  Seminary  at 
Xenia  was  reported  by  the  Second  Synod,  and  the  election  to  their  re- 
spective chairs  was  confirmed.]     Vol.  IV,  p.  319,  1876. 

[The  Managers  of  the  Xenia  Theological  Seminary  reported  the 
election  of  a  professor,  and  the  Assembly  confirmed  the  election.]  Vol. 
V,  p.  179,  1880.  -■ 

[The  Managers  of  the  Xenia  Theological  Seminary  reported  the  elec- 
tion of  a  professor.]  This  report  was  received  and  ordered  to  be  printed 
in  the  minutes.     [The  following  also  was  adopted  :] 

Resolved,  It  is  not  required  of  the  Board  of  Managers  of  our  Semin- 
aries to  report  the  election  'of  professsors  to  the  General  Assembly. 
Vol.  VII,  pp.  402,  418,  1890. 

CXXX.     TOBACCO. 

The  Use  of  T!obd,QCO.— Resolved,  That  the  use  of  tobacco  is  de- 
moralizing in  its  tendency,  and  should,  therefore,  be  discountenanced 
by  all  who  profess  the  Christian  religion.      Vol.  Ill,  p.  159,  1870. 

Tlie  memorial  of  certain  ladies  of  Monmouth,  in  reference  to  the  use 
of  tobacco,  presents  a  matter  of  great  importance,  and  one  worthy  of 
the  serious  consideration  of  this  Assembly  ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  That  this  Assembly  heartily  endorse  the  sentiments  set 
forth  in  the  memorial ;  that  we  hail  this  memorial  as  the  harbinger  of  a 
better  day,  we  trust  not  far  distant,  when  the  energies  of  the  church 


326  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

shall  be  turned  against  the  use  of  tobacco,  as  they  are  now  against  the 
use  of  intoxicating  liquors  ;  and  that  said  memorial  be  published  in  the 
papers  of  the  church.     Vol.  IV,  p.  42,  1874. 

[In  view  of  the  above  action  the  General  Assembly  of  1879,  Vol.  V, 
p.  41,  declared  futher  action  unnecessary.] 

[Eighteen  Presbyteries  asked  that  licensure  be  refused  to  students  of 
Theology  who  are  addicted  to  the  use  of  tobacco  in  any  form,  one  asked 
for  the  same  rule  in  the  ordination  of  ruling  elders,  and  one  asked  for 
measures  to  secure  abstinence  from  the  use  of  tobacco  and  the  cessation 
of  its  sale  by  merchants.  The  Assembly  refused  the  prayers  of  the 
memorialists  on  the  ground  that  it  had  not  the  legal  power  to  enact  the 
exclusive  rule  asked  for,  and  adopted  the  following :] 

Believing  the  use  of  tobacco  to  be  an  evil,  harmful  to  the  body,  a 
waste  of  God-given  substance,  and  that  in  many  cases  it  seriously  im- 
pairs usefulness  ;  therefore,  we  would 

1.  Earnestly  and  affectionately  exhort  all  ministers,  elders,  licentiates 
and  students  of  theology,  who  are  addicted  to  this  habit,  to  discontinue 
it  and  thus  "  abstain  from  all  appearance  of  [this]  evil." 

2.  We  would  urge  all  officers  in  the  Church,  and  all  heads  of 
families  and  all  who  have  the  care  of  the  youth  of  the  Church,  to  use 
every  possible  influence  to  restrain  the  young  from  forming  a  taste  for 
tobacco. 

3.  We  would  finally  ask  all  under  our  care  who  are  engaged  in  rais- 
ing, manufacturing  or  selling  tobacco,  in  any  form,  whether  they  can 
glorify  God  by  so  doing,  and  if  they  cannot,  then  we  say,  "  Brethren, 
cease  to  do  evil  and  learn  to  do  well."     Vol.  VII,  p.  17,  1888. 

In  view  of  the  large  vote  on  the  overtures  against  tobacco,  [see  be- 
low] and  the  growing  conviction  that  the  use  of  tobacco  in  any  form  is 
injurious  to  mind  and  body,  and  damaging  to  the  moral  sensibilities  ; 
that  it  is  an  evil  example  to  the  young,  a  sinful  waste  of  money,  and 
specially  unseemly  in  ministers  of  the  gospel ;  therefore. 

Resolved,  1.  That  Presbyteries  be  instructed  to  look  carefully  to  this 
matter  in  the  training  of  candidates  for  the  ministry,  and  to  take  the 
use  of  tobacco  into  serious  consideration  in  determining  their  fitness  for 
that  holy  office. 

2.  That  our  Ruling  Elders  be  admonished  to  consider  the  influence 
of  their  example  in  this  matter  upon  those  over  whom  the  Holy  Ghost 
has  made  them  overseers,  and  that  those  who  in  future  are  called  to  that 
office  be  earnestly  exhorted  to  abstain  from  this  evil. 

3.  That  pastors  and  sessions  be  instructed  to  urge  upon  all  our  peo- 
ple the  propriety  and  duty  of  abstaining  from  the  use  of  tobacco  in  any 
form.     Vol.  VII,  p.  432,  1890. 

[The  Presbytery  of  Central  Illinois  asked  for  an  overture  looking  to 
the  prohibition  of  the  use  of  tobacco  by  the  members  of  the  Church. 
The  memorial  was  not  granted.     Vol.  VII,  p.  414,  1890.] 

2.  Overture  on  Licensing  and  Ordaining  Students  who  Use 

Tobacco. — [The  Presbytery  of  Conemaugh  memorialized  the  Assembly 
to  submit  an  overture  concerning  the  licensure  and  ordination  of 
.students,  and  the  ordination  of  elders-elect  who  use  tobacco.  In  view, 
also,  of  the  number  of  memorials  presented  to  the  preceding  Assembly 
on  the  subject,  the  General  Assembly  submitted  in  overture  the  follow- 
ing amendment  to  the  Book  of  Government  :] 


TREASURERS.  327 

Add  to  Part  II,  Chapter  Y,  Sec.  2.  tlie  following:  "  No  student  who 
is  addicted  to  the  use  of  tobacco  in  any  form  shall  be  admitted  to  license." 
Vol.  VII,  p.  217,  1889. 

[The  vote  on  this  overture  was  :]   Ayes,  435  ;  noes,  518.     Therefore, 
Resolved,  Tiiat  the  overture  is  not  adopted.     Vol.  VII,  p.  414,  1890. 

3.  Overture  on  the  Ordination  of  Elders  elect  who  Use  To- 
bacco.— [In  response  to  the  memorial  as  above  stated  and  in  connec- 
tion with  the  overture  relating  to  students  of  theology,  the  General  As- 
sembly submitted  the  following  overture  as  to  the  ordination  of  persons 
to  the  eldership  who  use  tobacco:] 

Add  to  Part  II,  Chap.  VII,  Art.  I,  Sec.  4.  the  following:  "No  one 
shall  be  eligible  to  the  office  of  ruling  elder  who  is  addicted  to  the  use 
of  tobacco  in  any  form."     Vol.  VII,  p.  218,  1889. 

[The  vote  on  this  overture  was  :]   Ayes,  322  ;  noes,  631.     Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  overture  is  not  adopted.     Vol.  VII,  p.  414,  1890. 

[A  resolution  on  the  use  of  tobacco  by  ministers,  elders  and  students 
was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Bills  and  Overtures.  For  the  re- 
port on  it,  see  Vol.  VII,  p.  432,  1890  ;  Sec.  1,  above.] 

CXXXI.     TREASURERS. 

1.  The  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly  to  Attend  all  Meetings 

of  the  Assembly. — Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly  be 
requested  to  attend,  if  possible,  all  the  meetings  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly.    Vol.  VI,  p.  432,  1886. 

2.  Treasurer  of  the  Assembly,  pro  tern. — The  Principal  Clerk 

was  directed  to  act  as  Treasurer  pro  tern.,  when  the  Treasurer  of  the 
General  Assembly  was  absent.     Vol.  IV,  p.  434,  1877. 

2.  The  Election  and  Duties  of  the  Treasurers  of  the  Boards. 

— 3.  The  several  Boards  shall  elect  annually  all  other  necessary  officers, 
[«'.  e.  all  officers  except  the  corresponding  secretary,]  and  shall  require 
such  security  of  their  treasurers  as  may  in  each  case  be  judged  neces- 
sary. 

7.  The  treasurers  of  the  different  Boards  shall  keep  accounts,  in 
proper  form,  of  all  moneys,  whether  for  the  general  work,  or  special 
funds,  and  shall,  through  the  Board,  report  annually  to  the  General 
Assembly  the  exact  condition  of  the  several  funds,  giving  a  detailed 
and  classified  statement  of  all  receipts  and  disbursements,  which  shall 
be  published  in  the  minutes  of  the  General  Assembly.  Vol.  IV,  p.  22, 
1874. 

3.  The  Treasurers  to  Keep  Their  Accounts  with  Presby- 
teries, and  Not  with  Congregations.  —  Resolved,  6.   That  our 

treasurers  be  recommended  to  keep  their  accounts  of  moneys  received, 
except  in  special  cases,  with  Presbyteries,  through  the  financial  agents, 
returning  their  receipts  to  the  financial  agents  from  the  bounds  of 
whose  Presbyteries  the  funds  are  contributed. 

7.  That  financial  agents  be  directed  to  cease,  except  in  special  cases, 
asking  the  treasurers  to  credit  particular  churches  and  individuals,  and 
to  ask  only  that  funds  be  accredited  to  their  several  Presbyteries.  Vol. 
I,  p.  494,  1863. 

Resolved,  That  congregations  or  individuals,  forwarding  subscriptions 


328  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OP    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

to  the  various  Boards,  should  do  so  through  the  financial  agents  of 
their  respective  Presbyteries,  and  that  the  treasurers  of  such  Boards 
acknowledge  the  same  as  received  from  such  Presbyteries.  Vol.  II,  p. 
162,  1865. 

[It  was  ordered.  Vol.  II,  p.  322,  1866,  that  the  treasurers  publish 
their  receipts  monthly  in  the  papers  of  the  Church.  This  was  made 
the  special  duty  of  financial  agents,]  and  that  it  be  not  part  of  the  duty 
of  tlie  general  treasurers  to  publish  receipts  of  funds.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  416, 
1872. 

3.  Reports  of  the  Treasurers  to  the   General  Assembly.— 

The  General  Assembly  gave  order  that  the  committee  on  Finance  pre- 
pare a  summary  of  the  reports  of  the  treasurers  for  publication  in  the 
minutes.     Vol.  II,  p.  21,  18G4. 

Resolved,  2.  That  tiiey  [the  treasurers]  report  to  the  Assembly  only 
the  summaries  of  receipts,  so  as  to  sliow  the  amount  received  from  each 
Presbytery  and  from  legacies  and  special  donations,  and  also  of  ex- 
penditures under  general  heads ;  as  salaries,  buildings,  traveling  ex- 
penses, &c.,  so  as  to  show  clearly  the  use  made  of  the  money  intrusted 
to  their  care.     Vol.  II,  p.  322,  1866. 

[Similar  action  was  taken.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  416,  1872.] 

[The  treasurers  were  instructed  to  present  to  the  Assembly  classified 
reports.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  416,  1872.  Order  was  given  that  they  present 
printed  classified  reports.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  533,  1873.] 

[The  treasurers  wf're  instructed  to  furnish  the  clerks  of  the  Assembly 
with  a  classified  report  of  receipts  and  payments,  for  publication  in  the 
niinutes,  within  two  weeks  of  tiie  adjournment  of  the  Assembly.  Vol. 
IV,  p.  21,  1874.]  [This  summary  has  been  forwarded  to  the  General 
Assembly  in  place  of  the  detailed  report,  and  printed  in  the  appendix 
to  tiie  minutes.] 

Resolved,  7.  That  the  Boards  of  our  church,  their  treasurers  and  all 
who  have  the  handling  of  the  moneys  of  the  church,  be  and  they  here- 
by are  directed  hereafter  to  conform  to  the  established  rules  of  the 
Assembly,  which  require  them  to  make  annual  reports,  with  itemized 
statements  therein,  of  all  their  receipts  and  disbursements  of  money  dur- 
ing the  year,  and  that  said  reports  shall  be  audited  by  at  least  two  of 
the  members  of  each  Board  before  they  are  presentable  to  the  General 
Assembly,  and  we  recommend  that  said  itemized  reports  be  published 
for  the  information  and  encouragement  of  the  church.  Vol.  V,  p.  199, 
1880. 

6.  The  Reports  of  the  Treasurers  to  be  kudiitQCi.— Resolved,  2. 

That  the  accounts  of  each  Board  shall  be  audited  by  not  less  than  two 
members  of  the  Board,  and  that  vouchers  shall,  in  all  cases,  accompany 
the  reports.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  23,  1869. 

Resolved,  4.  That,  hereafter,  all  the  Boards  of  the  church  be  re- 
quested to  conform  to  the  direction  of  the  Assembly,  in  reference  to  the 
auditing  of  their  treasurers'  reports.     Vol.  IV,  p.  21,  1874. 

It  sliall  be  the  duty  of  each  Board  to  audit  its  treasurer's  accounts  at 
the  close  of  each  year.     Vol.  IV,  p.  22,  1874. 

7.  That  said  [annual]  reports  shall  be  audited  by  at  least  two  mem- 
bers of  the  Board  before  they  are  presentable  to  the  General  Assembly. 
Vol.  V,  p.  199,  1880. 


TRUSTEES    OF    THE    GENERAL    ASSEAIBLY.  329 

7.  Treasurers  to  Keep  Bequests  and  Permanent  Funds  In- 
vested.—  Resolved,  5.  That  all  Treasurers  and  other  custodians  of 
Church  funds  be  and  they  hereby  are  directed  to  keep  all  moneys  and 
financial  securities  invested  in  United  States  bonds  or  otiier  undoubted 
and  equally  safe  securities,  such  as  can  at  all  times  on  short  notice  be 
converted  into  cash. 

6.  That  while  the  will  and  directions  of  all  donors  should  be  strictly 
respected  and  explicitly  obeyed  in  regard  to  the  disposition  of  all  lega- 
cies, bequests  and  donations  of  all  kinds,  we  recommend  and  direct  that 
all  moneys  belonging  to  the  Church,  which  are  not  accompanied  by 
limitations  or  restrictions,  shall  be  kept  for  the  use  of  the  Church,  in- 
vested in  such  available  securities  as  can  on  short  notice  be  converted 
into  cash.     Vol.  V,  p.  19'J,  1880. 

CXXXII.     TRUSTEES  OF  CONGREGATIONS. 

1 .  The  Relation  of  Trustees  and  Sessions  to  Church  Prop- 
erty.— Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  by  this  Assembly, 
M'ho  shall  have  prepared  and  presented  to  the  next  General  Assembly  a 
paper  defining  these  offices  in  their  relation  to  any  Church  over  which 
they  are  placed,  and  their  power  to  control  its  property  and  temporal- 
ities generally.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  389,  1872. 

[For  the  report  of  this  committee,  see  Church  Property,  Sections  3 
and  4.] 

2.  The  Trustees  Must  be  Members  of  the  Congregation.— 

Resolved,  4.  That  in  every  Church  the  trustees  shall  be  in  full  com- 
munion with  the  Church,  and  that  the  use  of  the  Church  building  for 
public  worship  and  other  meetings,  shall  be  under  the  direction  and 
control  of  the  Session  of  the  Church.     Vol.  Ill,  p.  523,  1873. 

3.  Trustees  May  be  Chosen  to  Hold  Church  Property.— i?e- 

solved,  3.  That  there  is  nothing  in  the  constitution  of  the  Church  for- 
bidding the  appointment  of  trustees  for  the  management  of  Church 
property  under  the  restrictions  of  the  Assembly  of  1873.  Vol.  V,  p. 
194, 1880.     See  Deacons,  Sec.  1. 

CXXXIII.     TRUSTEES  OF  THE  GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 
The  Duties  of  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly.— i?e- 

solved,  1.  That  a  committee  consisting  of  one  from  each  Synod  be  ap- 
pointed to  nominate  *  *  *  persons  to  be  elected  a  Board  of  Trustees 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North 
America.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  said  Trustees  to  act  as  corporators, 
who  shall  take  the  proper  steps  to  procure  from  the  State  of  Pennsyl- 
vania articles  of  incorporation  for  said  General  Assembly,  under  which 
said  Trustees  shall  hold  in  trust,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  several 
funds  of  the  church,  all  lands,  tenements,  permanent  funds  and  other 
property,  under  the  supervision  and  direction  of  the  General  Assembly. 
2.  That  said  Trustees  be  requested,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  prepare, 
under  good  legal  counsel,  in  conformity  to  the  laws  of  the  States,  blank 
forms  for  bequests  to  the  various  funds  of  the  church,  and  that  they 
shall   secure   their   permanent   publication   in  all   the  periodicals  of  the 


330  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

church,  in  connection  witli  a  full  statement  of  all  the  benevolent  objects 
to  which  the  churcii  is  expected  to  contribute.     Vol.  I,  p.  37,  1859. 
[For  the  act  of  incorporation,  see  General  Assembly.] 

2.  The  Trustees  to  Secure  the  Claims  of  the  Board  of  Church 

Extension. — From  the  statement  of  the  Board  of  Church  Extension, 
it  appears  that  in  some  cases  the  title  to  tlie  property  of  congregations 
and  missions,  aided  by  tlie  Board,  is  vested  in  the  Trustees  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  ;  and  the  Board  is,  therefore,  without  direct  security  for 
its  claims;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  following  regulations  be  made  : 

1st.  That  tlie  trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  carefully  protect  all  the 
interests  of  the  Board  of  Ciiurch  Extension,  in  the  properties  to  which 
they  hold  the  title. 

2d.  That  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  shall  transfer  all  the 
proceeds  of  the  sales  of  church  property  to  the  Board  of  Church  Ex- 
tension, that  they  may  be  applied  to  the  same  general  Avork  lor  which 
the  money  was  at  first  contributed.      Vol.  V,  p.  742,  1883. 

3.  The  Trustees  to  Take  Action  to  Retain  Church  Property. 

— Resolved,  7.  That  this  Assembly  direct  the  Board  of  Church  Exten- 
sion, or  tiie  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  when  the  Board  of 
Church  Extension  is  prevented  by  law  from  taking  the  necessary  ac- 
tion, to  act  promptly  in  the  name  of  the  Church  in  all  cases  where,  in 
their  judgment,  counsel  and  financial  help  are  necessary  to  secure  the 
use  of  and  retain  the  propertv  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church. 
Vol.  VII,  p.  413,  1890. 

CXXXIV.     UNION  OF  ASSOCIATE  AND   ASSOCIATE 
REFORMED  CHURCHES. 

Union  of  the  Associate  and  Associate  Reformed  Churches. — 

[At  different  times,  the  Associate  Synod  and  the  Associate  Reformed 
General  Synod  entered  into  correspondence  with  reference  to  a  union, 
but  without  definite  results.  At  lengtii  a  basis  of  union  was  prepared 
by  a  convention  of  members  of  the  Reformed  Churches,  held  in  Pitts- 
burgh, Pa.,  April  11,  1855,  and  was  submitted  to  their  respective 
Synods.  Evangelical  Repositor}',  1855,  p.  641.  It  was  amended  and 
adopted  by  tlie  General  Synod  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church. 
Minutes,  1855,  pp.  29,  30,  33,  34.  For  the  basis  thus  amended,  see 
minutes  of  the  Associate  Synod,  1855,  pp.  109-111.  In  the  Associate 
Synod  the  following  action  was  taken  : 

"  Resolved,  1.  Tiiat  the  cliurch  of  Jesus  Christ  is  bound,  as  a  faithful 
witness  for  tlie  truth,  to  exhibit  plainly  and  explicitly  all  the  principles 
of  her  public  profession  in  a  creed  or  confession,  and  that  there  are 
times  when  these  jirinciples  are  assailed  and  misrepresented,  when  it 
becomes  the  duty  of  the  church  to  declare,  explain  and  defend  them  by 
the  emission  of  a  testimony,  Avhich  latter  is  to  be  made  a  term  of  com- 
munion only  so  far  as  it  contains  the  principles  of  the  church's  confes- 
sion, and  is  necessary  or  useful  in  ascertaining  and  determining  what 
the  true  principles  of  the  confession  are. 

"2.  That  in  addition  to  the  above  principles  we  express  our  hearty 
approbation  of  the  distinctive  testimony-bearing  of  our  forefathers  of  the 


UNION  OF  ASSOCIATE  AND  ASSOCIATE  REFORMED  CHURCHES.     331 

Secession  in  Scotland,  and,  also,  particularly  in  this  country,  our  firm 
adherence  to  the  same  duty,  and  belief  that  there  are,  now  at  least,  as 
great  causes  for  the  duty  as  formerly. 

"  3.  That,  in  the  judgment  of  this  Synod,  the  proposal  of  the  Pitts- 
burgh convention,  to  carry  with  them  the  Testimony  of  the  Associate 
Church,  the  occasional  testimonies  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church, 
with  other  documents  issued  by  these  churches,  out  of  all  which  there 
should  be  hereafter  prepared  fixed  standards,  leaves  the  principles  of 
the  church  uncertain,  and  in  a  state  of  imminent  peril. 

"  4.  That  we  judge  it  premature  to  overture  the  said  basis  ;  but  we 
are  willing  to  continue  our  correspondence  with  these  brethren  for  the 
purpose  of  preparing  permanent  standards  for  the  church,  of  which  the 
articles  agreed  upon  at  Pittsburg  shall  constitute  a  part. 

"  5.  That  in  accordance  with  the  mutual  agreement  and  understand- 
ing of  the  Associate  and  Associate  Reformed  Synods,  respecting  the 
matter  of  a  testimony  for  the  United  Church,  besides  the  subject  em- 
braced in  the  five  articles  recently  adopted  at  Pittsburg,  we  present  the 
following  additional  subjects,  on  which  articles  should  be  prepared  for 
insertion  in  the  Testimony,  viz.:  The  Plenary  Inspiration  of  the  Scrip- 
tures ;  the  Sonship  and  Deity  ol  Christ ;  the  Covenant  of  Works  ;  the 
Fall  of  Man  ;  the  Obligation  of  the  Covenant  of  Works  upon  Men  in 
their  Natural  Estate  ;  the  Suretyship  and  Satisfaction  of  Christ  ;  the 
Nature  of  Faith  and  Repentance  ;  the  Gospel  Offer ;  Imputed  Right- 
eousness for  Justification  ;  Believer's  Deliverance  from  the  Law  ;  the 
Work  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  the  Headship  of  Christ."     1855,  p.  109. 

The  following  resolutions  were  also  adopted  : 

^^  Resolved,  1.  That  the  Synod  approves  of  the  five  articles  on 
Psalmody,  Communion,  Slave-holding,  Covenanting,  and  Secret  Socie- 
ties, adopted  by  the  convention  in  Pittsburgh,  as  amended  on  the  arti- 
cle on  Secret  Societies,  by  substituting,  "  members  of  this  Church  shall 
have  no  fellowship,"  etc.,  instead  of"  members  of  the  Church  should," 
etc.,  as  suitable  to  be  incorporated  in  the  testimony  of  the  United 
Church. 

"  2.  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  prepare  a  testimony 
embracing  the  articles  of  the  convention,  and  such  others  as  they  may 
deem  necessary,  and  that  said  committee  be  empowered  to  correspond 
with  the  delegates  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  and  General 
Synod  of  the  Reformed  Presbyterian  Ciiurch,  and  that  the  committee 
report  on   the  first  day  of  the  next  meeting  of  Synod."     1855,  p.  111. 

The  basis  prepared  by  this  committee  was  amended,  and  the  follow- 
ing action  was  taken  :     Ayes,  110  ;  nays,  19. 

"  Resolved,  1.  That  we  approve  of  the  Testimony  as  amended,  as  a 
basis  of  union  with  the  Associate  Reformed  and  the  other  sister  Church 
■with  which  we  have  been  negotiating  for  union. 

"  2.  That  it  be  transmitted  to  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod,  and  if 
approved  by  them,  sent  down  in  overture  to  the  Presbyteries  and 
Sessions,  to  report  thereon  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Synod.  1856,  p. 
98. 

The  General  Synod  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church  took  the  fol- 
lowing action,  one  vote  being  recorded  in  the  negative  : 

"  Whereas,  The  Union  of  the  different  portions  of  the  Church  of 


332  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY, 

Christ  in  one  body,  as  far  as  practicable,  is  a  most  desirable  object ; 
and, 

"  Whereas,  The  Associate  Presbj'terian  Church  has  presented  to 
this  Synod  a  basis  of"  union,  on  which  it  is  proposed  to  unite  these  two 
Churches  in  one  body  ;  and, 

"  Whereas,  This  document,  though  it  may  contain  some  things  in 
relation  to  which  there  is  some  diversity  of  opinion  among  brethren 
who  are  united  in  their  adherence  to  the  great  truths  of  the  Gospel,  and 
which,  therefore,  might  properly  be  made  matters  of  forbearance;  yet 
as  the  declarations,  which  are  the  terms  of  communion,  contain 
nothing  which  is  inconsistent  with  our  ecclesiastical  standards  ;  there- 
fore, 

"  Resolved,  That  this  basis  be  cordially  recommended  to  the  prayer- 
ful consideration  of  tlie  Presbyteries  under  our  care,  that  they  may  re- 
port their  judgment  thereon,  either  adopting  it  as  it  is,  or  proposing 
such  amendments  as  may  seem  to  them  necessar3\  to  render  it  more 
perfect."     1856,  p.  13. 

For  the  votes  of  the  Presbyteries  on  this  overture,  see  Associate 
Synod,  1857,  p.  75  ;  Associate  Reformed  General  Synod,  1857,  pp. 
23-25. 

Tiie  Associate  Synod  took  the  following  action  :  Ayes,  104 ;  nays, 
13  ;  not  voting,  10. 

"Whereas,  A  large  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  are  in  favor  of 
adopting,  even  though  no  amendments  be  made  ;  therefore, 

"  Resolved,  I.  Tiiat  the  basis  be  and  hereby  is  adopted  as  a  basis 
of  union  with  the  Associate  Reformed  Church  ;  the  declarations 
without  amendment,  and  the  argument  and  illustration  in  their 
amended  form. 

''  2.  That  it  be  transmitted  to  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  for 
their  concurrence."      1857,  p.  76. 

This  action,  as  submitted  to  the  General  Synod  of  the  Associate  Re- 
formed Church,  contained  the  following  additional  words :  "  As  a 
guide  to  the  meaning  of  the  declarations  ;"  the  committee  being  well 
assured  that  they  had  been  adopted,  although  not  found  in  the  official 
record.     1857,  p.  76,  wo?e. 

The  General  Synod  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  adopted  the 
following:     Ayes,  66;  nays,  36  ;  not  voting,  7. 

"  Whereas,  The  consummation  of  a  union  of  the  Associate  and  As- 
sociate Reformed  Presbyterian  Churches  is  a  high  duty  and  of  great 
importance  to  the  maintenance  of  the  peculiar  principles  held  in  com- 
mon by  these  churches;  and, 

"Whereas,  The  Testimony  proposed  to  us  by  the  Associate  Church 
as  a  basis  of  union  contains  no  principle  which  is  not  already  embodied 
in  the  standards  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  or  has  in  some 
form  received  her  sanction  ;  and, 

"Whereas,  It  is  not  doubted  that  the  wisdom  of  the  United  Church 
will  effect  any  modification  of  the  Form  of  Church  Government,  or  the 
Directory  for  Worship  of  the  Westminster  standards,  necessary  to  har- 
monize them  with  the  common  faith  and  practice  of  the  two  churches, 
or  any  desirable  modification  of  the  formula  of  questions  to  applicants  ; 
and, 


UNION  OF  ASSOCIATE  AND  ASSOCIATE  REFORMED  CHURCHES.     333 

Whereas,  A  majority  of  the  Presbyteries  of  the  Associate  Re- 
formed Church  have  declared  themselves  in  favor  of  receiving  the  basis 
as  it  is,  rather  than  to  fail  of  obtaining  this  union  ;  and, 

"Whereas,  It  is  believed  that  the  great  mass  of  the  people  in  both 
of  these  churches  anxiously  desire  it ;  and  that  their  spiritual  interests 
urgently  require  its  speedy  consummation ;  and, 

"Whereas,  Finally,  it  is  to  be  feared  that  if  the  present  overture 
should  be  rejected,  the  accomplishment  of  this  object  will  be  long  post- 
poned, and  the  heart-burnings  and  contentions  between  these  churches, 
in  former  years,  be  to  some  extent  revived,  and  similar  evils  be  pro- 
duced among  ourselves  ;  therefore, 

^^  Resolved,  1.  That  the  Associate  Reformed  Church  does  hereby  de- 
clare her  acceptance  of  the  Testimony  prosposed  as  a  basis  of  union  by 
the  Associate  Synod,  and  overtured  by  the  General  Synod  of  1856  to 
the  Presbyteries,  in  the  confidence  that  any  modifications  or  amend- 
ments necessary  to  harmonize  said  basis  with  the  faith  and  practice  held 
in  common  by  the  two  churches,  or  render  it  more  entirely  acceptable, 
will  be  in  due  time  effected  by  the  United  Church  ;  and  in  the  confi- 
dence that  reasonable  forbearance  will  be  exercised  towards  any  mem- 
ber of  either  body  that  may  feel  constrained  to  dissent  from  any  article 
in  the  basis. 

"  2.  That  a  committee  of  one  minister  from  each  subordinate  Synod 
be  appointed  to  communicate  this  action  to  the  Associate  Synod,  and  in 
conjunction  with  a  similar  committee  of  that  Synod,  if  it  shall  see  proper 
to  appoint  one,  to  agree  upon  and  recommend  the  necessary  measures 
for  the  immediate  consummation  of  this  union."     1857,  p.  11. 

The  General  Synod  also  adopted  the  amendments  to  the  basis  sub- 
mitted by  the  Associate  Synod,  1857,  pp.  12-20. 

This  action  of  General  Synod  being  received,  the  Associate  Synod 
adopted  the  following : 

"Whereas,  The  General  Synod  of  the  Asssociate  Reformed  Church 
has  accepted  the  basis  which  has  been  in  overture,  as  a  basis  of  union  j 
and 

"Whereas,  They  have  repeatedly  re-affirmed  that  the  doctrines 
contained  in  this  Testimony  are  those  to  which  they  adhere;  and, 

"  Whereas,  We  believe  the  time  has  arrived,  in  the  good  providence 
of  God,  when  the  unhappy  division  which  has  long  separated  these 
sister  churches  should  be  healed;  therefore, 

"  Hesolved,  1.  That  we  cordially  reciprocate  the  confidence  expressed 
by  these  brethren  respecting  mutual  forbearance,  it  being  distinctly  un- 
derstood that  under  the  plea  of  reasonable  forbearance  no  one  be  per- 
mitted to  teach  or  to  act  in  opposition  to  the  doctrine  of  the  United 
Church. 

"  2.  That  a  committee  of  five  be  appointed  by  this  Synod,  to  act  con- 
jointly with  any  committee  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod,  and  em- 
powered to  make  all  necessary  arrangements  as  to  time,  place  and  man- 
ner for  the  final  consummation  of  this  union. 

"  3.  That  we  have  great  reason  to  express  our  gratitude  to  God  who 
has  led  these  churches  to  such  a  happy  result  in  their  efforts  for  union." 
1857,  p.  85. 

And  also  the  followin";  resolutions  : 


334  DIGEST  OF  THE  ACTS  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY. 

"  Whereas,  The  union  of  the  Reformed  churches  has  been  for  many 
years  the  subject  of  very  serious  and  prayerful  consideration,  botli  with 
individuals  and  churcii  courts,  which  we  trust  has  been  blessed  of  God 
to  the  end  of  affecting  such  a  degree  of  Christian  unity  as  warrants 
their  union  in  one  body  ;  therefore, 

"  Resolved,  1.  That  witliout  reference  to  any  past  deliverances  of  either 
of  tliese  bodies,  any  farther  than  said  deliverances  indicate  our  oneness, 
we  hereby  agree  to  unite  on  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faitii  re- 
ceived in  the  Testimony  of  the  United  Church,  Catechisms,  Larger  and 
Shorter,  Form  of  Presbyterial  Church  Government  and  Directory  for 
the  worship  of  God,  witii  such  modifications  as  may  be  found  necessary 
from  the  word  of  God,  together  with  the  testimony  technically  known  as 
the  Basis  of  Union,  as  the  doctrinal  standard  and  terms  of  communion 
of  the  United  Church. 

"  2.  That  in  respect  to  any  brethren  now  in  either  of  these  Churches 
who  may  not  be  able  fully  to  subscribe  these  standards,  forbearance  in 
love  is  required  by  tiie  law  of  God,  while  they  do  not  openly  oppose, 
but  practically  conform  themselves  to  those  standards,  and  follow  the 
things  that  make  for  peace,  and  the  things  whereby  one  may  edify 
another."     1858,  p.  67. 

Also,  as  explanatory  of  the  action  taken  : 

"  Resolved,  That  as  there  is,  in  the  preamble  to  the  resolutions  for 
the  consummation  of  the  union,  a  reference  to  former  deeds  of  the  two 
Synods,  which,  in  the  view  of  some,  might  be  understood  as  limiting 
our  acceptance  of  the  basis  as  a  term  of  communion  in  the  United 
Church,  we  hereby  disclaim  any  such  interpretation  of  it,  and  declare 
that  our  union  with  the  General  Associate  Reformed  Synod  shall  be 
predicated  upon  this  understanding  of  said  preamble."     1858,  p.  72. 

The  report  of  the  joint  committee  was  amended  and  adopted  by  each 
Synod,  and  is  known  as  The  Adopting  Act.  In  the  Associate 
Synod  the  vote  on  the  first  part  of  the  preamble  was,  ayes,  117  ;  nays, 
44  ;  not  voting,  7.  Of  those  voting  in  the  negative,  nine  afterwards 
formally  withdrew  their  dissent.  1858,  pp.  G6,  78,  85.  The  final  vote 
in  the  General  Synod  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church  was,  ayes,  93  ; 
nays,  4.     The  Adopting  Act  is  as  follows  : 

"  Whereas,  It  is  understood  that  the  Testimony  submitted  to  the 
General  Synod  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  by  the  Associate 
Synod,  was  proposed  and  accepted  as  a  term  of  communion,  on  the 
adoption  of  which,  the  union  of  the  two  churches  was  to  be  consum- 
mated ;  and, 

"  Whereas,  It  is  agreed  between  the  two  churches  that  the  forbear- 
ance in  love  which  is  required  by  the  law  of  God  will  be  exercised  to- 
wards any  brethren  who  may  not  be  able  fully  to  subscribe  the  stand- 
ards of  the  United  Church,  while  they  do  not  determinedly  oppose 
them,  but  follow  the  things  which  make  for  peace,  and  things  whereby 
one  may  edify  another  ; 

"  Resolved,  1.  That  these  churches,  when  united,  shall  be  called 
'  The  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America.' 

"  2.  That  the  respective  Presbyteries  of  these  churches  shall  remain 
as  at  present  constituted,  until  otherwise  ordered,  as  convenience  shall 
fiuggest. 


UNION   OF   ASSOCIATE  AND  ASSOCIATE  REFORMED  CHURCHES.     335 

"  3.  That  tlie  Supreme  Court  of  this  Church  shall  be  a  General  As- 
sembly, to  meet  annually,  to  be  composed  of  delegates  from  the  respec- 
tive Presbyterie'*,  the  number  of  delegates  to  be  according  to  the  pro- 
portion of  the  members  constituting  eacli  Presbytery,  as  now  fixed  by 
the  rules  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church,  until  a  change  shall  be 
found  expedient. 

"  4.  That  there  shall  be  subordinate  Synods,  and  these  shall  be  the 
same  as  those  now  existing  in  the  Associate  Reformed  Cliurch,  to  which 
Synods  the  different  Presbyteries  in  the  Associate  Churcli  shall  attach 
themselves  for  the  present,  according  to  their  location,  provided  that  the 
separate  Synods  and  Presbyteries  of  the  said  Associate  Reformed  and 
Associate  Cliurclies  shall  also  continue  as  at  present  constituted,  until 
otherwise  directed. 

"  5.  That  the  General  and  subordinate  Synods  shall  be  regulated  ac- 
cording to  the  rules  presently  in  force  in  the  Associate  Reformed  Church, 
until  the  United  Church  shall  see  fit  to  alter  such  rules. 

"  6.  Tiiat  the  different  Boards  and  institutions  of  the  respective 
churches  shall  not  be  affected  by  this  union,  but  shall  have  the  control 
of  their  funds  and  retain  all  their  corporate,  or  other  rights  and  privi- 
leges, until  the  interests  of  the  church  shall  require  a  change. 

"  7.  That  these  and  other  regulations  found  necessary,  being  agreed 
upon  by  the  respective  Synods  at  the  present  meeting  in  the  city  of 
Allegheny,  the  two  Synods  shall  meet  at  such  a  place  as  shall  mutually 
be  agreed  upon,  and  after  addresses  by  Dr.  Rodgers,  Dr.  Pressly,  Rev. 
Mr.  Smart  and  Rev.  Mr.  Prestley,  be  constituted  with  prayer  by  the 
senior  moderator,  after  which  a  moderator  and  clerk  shall  be  chosen  by 
the  United  Church."  Associate  Synod,  1858,  p.  77  ;  Associate  Re- 
formed General  Synod,  1858,  p.  29. 

The  arrangements  for  the  formal  consummation  of  the  union,  pre- 
pared by  a  joint  committee,  were  adopted  by  each  Synod,  and  also 
the  following  in  relation  to  the  meeting  of  the  first  General  Assembly  : 

"  Resolved,  3,  That  the  first  United  General  Synod  be  held  in  Xenia, 
Ohio,  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  May,  1859,  at  7^  o'clock,  P.  M." 
Associate  Synod,  1858,  p.  75  ;  Associate  Reformed  General  Synod, 
1858,  p.  33.] 

In  pursuance  of  the  joint  action  of  the  Associate  Reformed  and 
Associate  Synods  on  the  subject  of  union,  these  Synods  met  on  the  26th 
of  May,  1858,  in  the  City  Hall,  Pittsburgh,  for  the  consummation  of 
their  union. 

Having  adjourned  at  their  respective  places  of  meeting,  the  two  Syn- 
ods met  at  the  corner  of  Smithfield  street  and  Seventh  avenue,  and 
marched  in  procession  to  City  Hall  in  double  file — one  consisting 
of  the  members  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Synod  and  tlie  other  of  the 
members  of  the  Associate  Synod.  In  the  Hall,  the  services  were  intro- 
troduced  with  an  earnest  and  impressive  prayer  by  Rev.  Jos-^ph  T. 
Cooper,  D.  D. 

After  some  time  spent  in  hearing  addresses  suited  to  the  occasion  by 
Drs.  Rodgers  and  Pressly,  and  Revs.  J.  Smart  and  J.  Prestley,  and  in 
prayer  and  praise.  Rev.  Donald  C.  McLaren,  D.  D.,  moderator  of  the 
Associate  Reformed  General  Synod,  on  motion  to  that  effect,  extended, 
in  the  name  of  his  brethren,  to  Rev.  Joseph  T.  Cooper,  D.  D.,  moder- 


336  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

ator  of  the  Associate  Synod,  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  accompany- 
ing the  action  with  a  brief  and  very  appropriate  address,  to  which  the 
latter  made  an  impressive  response. 

The  tirst  Synod  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  was  then,  accord- 
ing to  the  previous  arrangement,  constituted  with  payer  by  Dr.  McLaren 
— tlie  senior  of  the  two  moderators. 

Rev.  John  T.  Pressly,  D.  D.,  was  chosen  moderator,  and  Rev.  Sam- 
uel Wilson,  clerk,  pro  tern. 

On  motion  of  Rev.  J.  P.  Smart,  the  Synod  adjourned  to  meet  in 
Xenia,  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  May,  1859,  at  7^  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Closed  with  the  benediction  by  the  moderator.  Associate  Synod, 
1858,  p.  100.     Associate  Reformed  General  Synod.  1858,  p.  64. 

CXXXV.     UNITED  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH. 

1.  Organization  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.— See 

Union  of  the  Associate  and  Associate  Reformed  Churches. 

2.  Identity  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  with  its  Pre- 
decessors.— Certain  persons  who  refused  to  enter  the  union  of  1858, 
and  commonly  known  as  the  "Protesters,"  entered  suit  against  the  ex- 
ecutors of  the  will  of  Daniel  Speers  for  the  possession  of  his  estate.  By 
a  decision  of  the  Orphans'  Court  of  Allegheny  county,  Pa.,  affirmed  by 
the  Supreme  Court  of  Pennsylvania,  November  18,  1878,  tiie  United 
Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America  was  declared  to  be  the  legiti- 
mate successor  of  the  Associate  Church,  so  far  as  rights  of  property  and 
trust  relations  are  concerned,  and  the  executors  were  ordered  to  pay  the 
funds  accruing  from  the  Speers  estate  to  "  the  Trustees  of  the  Synod  of 
the  Associate  Church  of  North  America,  subject  to  the  control  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  for  tlie  purpose  of  the 
trust  created  by  the  will  of  Daniel  Speers,  deceased."  Vol.  VII,  p.  509, 
1890. 

Robert  Mackey,  of  Guernsey  county,  O.,  by  will  executed  May  17, 
1856,  made  certain  bequests  to  the  General  Synod  of  the  Associate  Re- 
formed Church  and  to  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Oregon,  subject 
to  the  life  use  of  his  widow.  After  tlie  death  of  tlie  widow  in  1884, 
the  heirs-at-law  brought  suit  to  recover,  upon  the  ground  that  at  the  time 
of  the  bringing  of  the  suit  the  beneficiaries  named  in  the  will  had  no 
legal  existence,  and  that  the  union  of  the  Associate  and  the  Associate 
Reformed  Churches,  under  the  name  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church 
of  North  America,  saved  vested  rights  only  at  the  time  of  the  consoli- 
dation.    The  Court  held  : 

First.  That  by  the  union  in  1858  of  the  Associate  Reformed  Church 
and  the  Associate  Presbyterian  Church,  commonly  known  as  the  "  Se- 
ceder  Church,"  the  Associate  Reformed  Church  did  not  lose  its  identity ; 
that  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America  is  the  legiti- 
mate successor  to  the  two  ecclesiastical  organizations  which  formed  the 
union,  and  that  the  united  bodies  under  the  new  name  preserved  their 
ecclesiastical  connection,  maintained  their  identity,  and  saved  all 
property  rights  of  the  Associate  Reformed  and  Associate  Presbyterian 
Churches. 

Second,  That  the  union  of  1858  was  duly  accomplished  in  strict  con- 
formity with  the  laws  of  the  general  organisms  of  both  churches. 


UNITED    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH.  337 

Third.  That  the  substantial  identity  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church  of  North  America  witli,  and  its  legitimate  succession  to,  the 
Associate  Reformed  Church  have  been  conclusively  established,  both 
by  the  ecclesiastical  and  civil  courts.  Identity  of  ownership  of  church 
property  being  established,  identity  in  trust  relations  necessarily  fol- 
lows. 

The  Court,  therefore,  awarded  one-half  of  the  fund  to  the  trustees 
appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  of  188"),  one-fourth  to  the  treasurer 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  the 
remaining  one-fourth  to  the  Presbytery  of  Oregon,  in  conformity  with 
the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  the  will.  Vol.  YI,  p.  744,  1877. — 
Co7npend  of  Legal  Decisions  Relating  to  Title  to  Church  Property,    p.  10. 

3.  A  Committee  Appointed  to  Prepare  a  History  of  the  United 

Presbyterian  Church. — [In  view  of  the  approaching  centennial  anni- 
versary of  the  national  independence,  and  in  accordance  with  the  action 
of  other  Churches,  the  General  Assembly  appointed  a  committee]  to 
prepare  a  complete  history  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  showing: 
1.  Its  origin,  progress  and  present  statistics.  2.  Its  principles.  3.  Its 
home  and  foreign  missionary  work.     4.  Its  educational  interests.     Vol. 

IV,  p.  26,  1874. 

[This  committee  reported  to  the  next  Assembly  that  meetings  had 
been  held  and  arrangements  made  for  the  preparation  of  papers  on  the 
subjects  assigned  to  them,  and  asked  that  the  committee  be  enlarged 
and  that  provision  be  made  for  the  publication  of  the  papers.  These 
requests  were  granted.]  Vol.  IV,  p.  187,  187o.  The  enlarged  com- 
mittee was  continued  and  reported  to  the  Assembly  that  progress 
had  been  made.  The  committee  was  continued,  and  the  Board  of 
Publication  was  instructed  to  publish  the  papers  in  a  suitable  volume. 
Vol.  IV,  p.  362,  1876. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Eighteenth  General 
Assembly  to  prepare  a  history  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  be 
instructed  to  complete  tlieir  work,  if  it  be  not  already  done  ;  and  that 
the  Board  of  Publication  be  directed  to  publish  it  without  delay.     Vol. 

V,  p.  40,  1879.  [These  instructions  were  repeated  by  the  following 
Assembly.     Vol.  V,  p.  196,  1880.     Iso  later  report  appears.] 

4.  Histories  of  Congregations,  Presb3rteries  and  S3mods.— 

[The  Permanent  Committee  on  Old  Records  reported  that  many  his- 
tories of  congregations,  presbyteries  and  synods  had  been  prepared,  and 
gave  a  list  of  them.     Vol.  IV,  p.  631,  1878.] 

4.  That  Presbyteries  be  instructed  to  see  that  the  histories  of  their 
congregations  are  collected  at  once,  and,  for  the  present,  placed  in  the 
keeping  of  the  different  Clerks  of  Presbyteries.     Vol.  V,  p.  40,  1879. 

3.  The  Board  of  Publication  to  Secure  and  Publish  Old  Re- 
cords.— Resolved,  I.  Tliat  the  Board  of  Publication  be  instructed  to 
secure  the  records  of  the  Associate  Presbyterian,  and  of  the  Associate 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Churches,  and  United  Presbyterian  Church. 

2.  That  the  Board  be  instructed  to  arrange  for  the  publication  of  so 
much  of  these  records  as  may  be  deemed  of  general  utility,  and  to  pub- 
lish them  as  soon  as  the  funds  can  be  procured  for  defraying  the  ex- 
penses. 

3.  That  the  Board  be  instructed  to  obtain  all  the  material  that  they 

22 


338  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLT. 

can  for  a  complete  history  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.     Vol.  I, 
p.  223,  1861. 

5.  A  Permanent  Committee  Appointed  to  Collect  and  De- 
posit Old  Records. — Resolved,  6.  That  in  order  to  preserve  the  var- 
ious records  of  the  churcli  from  being  scattered  and  lost,  a  committee 
*  *  *  be  appointed  to  collect  and  deposit  in  some  safe  and  conven- 
ient place:  1.  Tiie  records  of  the  Associate  and  Associate  Reformed 
Presbyteries  and  Synods  as  far  as  practicable.  2.  The  records  of  Pres- 
byteries which  have  been  dissolved.  3.  All  documents  pertaining  to  the 
history  of  our  church.      Vol.  Ill,  p,  396,  1872. 

Resolved,  2.  That  this  committee  be  authorized  to  receive  and  receipt 
for  all  the  records  of  Synods  and  Presbyteries  formerly  in  connection 
■with  the  Associate  and  Associate  Reformed  Churches  which  have  been 
dissolved,  and  that  all  persons  in  possession  of  these  records  be  requested 
to  forward  them  at  once  to  the  chairman,  or  some  member  of  the  com- 
mittee. 

4.  That  this  committee  be  directed  to  deposit  such  records  and  his- 
torical documents  as  come  into  its  hands,  in  the  safe  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  book  rooms,  in  the  city  of  Pittsburgh,  and  that  the  super- 
intendent of  these  rooms  be  charged  with  their  proper  care  and  keeping. 

5.  That  this  committee  be  authorized  to  receive  as  a  donation,  or  to 
purchase  such  historical  documents  as  in  the  judgment  of  a  majority  of 
its  members  are  necessary  to  preserve  a  knowledge  of  the  planting, 
growth,  labors  and  struggles  of  the  Associate  and  Associated  Reformed 
Churches  in  this  country,  with  a  view  to  furnishing  materials  for  future 
history,  and  for  eft'ecting  said  purchases  be  authorized  to  draw  through 
the  principal  clerk  upon  the  treasurer  of  the  Assembly  to  an  amount 
not  exceeding  $75.00,  as  these  purchases  may  be  made.  Vol.  Ill,  p. 
517,  1873. 

Resolved,  2.  That  the  records  now  on  hand,  and  those  which  may  be 
hereafter  procured,  be  placed  in  the  fire-proof  building  of  the  Presbyte- 
rian Historical  Society,  when  it  shall  be  completed,  for  safe  keeping, 
and  that  a  copy  of  all  those  which  may  be  printed  be  placed  in  our  own 
publishing  house.     Vol.  IV,  p.  301,   1876. 

7.  Tliat  the  committee  be  directed  to  construct  a  vault  for  the  preser- 
vation of  histories  and  records,  in  our  Theological  Seminary  building  at 
Allegheny,  or,  if  a  suitable  place  can  be  found  for  it,  in  our  Board  of 
Publication  building  in  Pittsburgh,  at  a  cost  not  to  exceed  three  hundred 
dollars.  Vol.  V,  p.  40,  1879.  [The  use  of  the  vault  of  the  Board  of 
Publication  was  procured.     Vol.  V,  p.  247,   1880.] 

[The  permanent  committee  on  the  preservation  of  old  records  re- 
ported as  follows:  Vol.  Ill,  p.  516,  1873;  Vol.  IV,  pp.  37,  1874  ; 
227,  1875  ;  359,  1876  ;  491,  1877  ;  630,  1878  ;  Vol.  V,  pp.  81,  1879  ; 
246,  1880.  The  committee  was  discharged,  inasmuch  as  the  Assembly 
lias  established  a  historical  society.     Vol.  V,  196,  1880.] 

6.  Records  of  Associate  and  Associate  Reformed  Presbyter- 
ies and  Synods. — [A  list  of  these  records  and  of  the  persons  holding 
them,  is  to  be  found,  Vol.  IV,  p.  631,  1878;  Vol.  V,  p.  81,  1879.] 

3.  That  as  the  old  records  of  the  different  Presbyteries  and  Synods, 
by  direction  of  the  Assembly  of  1876,  are  to  be  retained  in  present 
hands  until  the  work  of  preparing  histories  is  completed,  Presbyteries  be 


UNITED    PRESBYTERIAN    CHURCH    OF    OREGON.  339 

directed  to  a  place  the  records  of  their  Associate  and  Associate  Reformed 
predecessors  in  the  possession  of  tlieir  respective  Clerks,  wlio  shall  be 
held  responsible  for  their  safe  keepin^r.     Vol.  V,  p.  40,  1879. 

7.  United  Presbyterian  Historical  Society.— Resolved,  5.  That 

this  Assembly  recommend  the  formation  of  a  United  Presbyterian  His- 
torical Society,  and  hereby  authorize  the  committee  on  old  records  to 
organize  such  a  society,  and  report  to  the  next  Assembly.  Vol.  IV,  t). 
595,  187».  ■^  ^ 

[The  committee  reported  that  the  orjranization  had  not  been  efiected, 
and  the  Assembly  renewed  the  action  of  the  previous  Assembly.  Vol. 
V,  p.  40,  1879.  The  committee  prepared  a  constitution  for  a  historical 
society,  and  reported  it  to  the  Assembly.] 

Resolved,  4.  That  this  Assembly  proceed  to  organize  a  United  Pres- 
byterian Plistorical  Society,  by  adopting  the  constitution  referred  to 
above,  and  by  electing  nine  persons  to  constitute  a  Board  of  Managers, 
in  accordance  with  its  provisions,  Vol.  V,  p.  196,  1880.  [The  consti- 
tution of  this  society  is  to  be  found,  Vol.  V,  p.  247,  1880.  For  re- 
port of  the  Board  of  Managers,  and  by-laws,  see  Vol.  V,  p.  412,  1881.1 

8.  Historical  Record  of  Organizations.— [The  Second  Clerk  re- 
ported a  record  of  the  organization  of  the  Presbyteries  and  Synods  of 
the  Asssociate  and  Associate  Reformed  Churches,  Vol.  IV,  p.  563,  1878, 
■when  the  following  action  was  taken  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  the  record  of  organizations  be  printed  in  the  ap- 
pendix to  the  minutes.  Vol.  IV,  p.  594,  1878.  [The  publication  of 
this  record  was  deferred  till  the  next  year,  in  order  to  secure  o-reater 
completeness.  It  is  given,  Vol.  V,  p.  85,  1879  ;  amendments,  p.  255, 
1880;  p.  607,1882.]  '  H  , 

[For  a  historical  record  of  the  organization  of  the  General  Assembly, 
of  the  Synods  and  of  the  Presbyteries  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  see  Vol.  V,  p.  593,  1882.] 

CXXXVI.     UNITED  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH  OF 
OREGON. 

The  Associate  and  the  Associate  Reformed  Presbyteries  of  Oregon 
entered  into  a  Union  on  the  20th  of  October,  1852,  under  the  name  of 
"  The  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Oregon."  The  Basis  of  Union 
was  :  The  Word  of  God  as  the  only  rule  of  faith  and  practice,  and  the 
supreme  and  final  authority  for  the  regulation  of  doctrine,  worship  and 
government  ;  the  Westminster  Confession  of  Faith,  and  Catechisms, 
larger  and  shorter,  with  the  judicial  acts  of  the  antecedent  Churches  as 
valuable  memorials  of  the  zeal  and  fidelity  of  these  witnesses  for  the 
truth,  that  which  is  common  to  them  to  be  regarded  as  the  exhibition 
of  the  faith  of  the  United  Church  ;  all  matters  of  previous  separation 
to  be  held  as  matters  of  private  opinion  and  Christian  forbearance  ; 
the  Form  of  Government  and  Directory  for  Worship  in  use  by  both 
Churches,  with  such  modifications  as  might  be  required  by  the  circum- 
stances of  the  United  Church  ;  that  a  Summary  of  Principles  agreed 
upon,  with  the  Form  of  Government  and  Directory  for  Worship,°shall 
constitute  the  terms  of  admission  to  the  fellowship  of  the  United 
Church ;  that  in  the  ordination  of  ministers  and  ruling  elders,  they  shall 


340  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLT. 

be  required  to  declare  tlieir  approbation  of  the  entire  standards  of  the 
United  Church.  The  Summary  of  Principles  embraced  the  following 
subjects  :  God  ;  The  Decrees  of  God  ;  Man's  Oriorinal  and  Fallen 
State  ;  Redemption  ;  The  Application  of  Redemption  ;  The  Perseverance 
of  the  Saints;  The  Resurrection  of  the  Body;  Practical  Relijrion;  The 
Duties  of  Church  Members.  For  the  Basis  in  full  see  The  Evangelical 
Repository,  December  1852,  pp.  3G8-370  ;  The  Christian  Instructor^ 
January,  1853,  p.  131  ;  The  United  Presbyterian,  September  2G,  1889, 
p.  614. 

This  Union  was  approved  by  the  General  Synod  of  the  Associate 
Reformed  Church,  Minutes,  1853,  pp.  28,  29,  but  was  disapproved  by 
the  Associate  Synod,  Minutes.  1853,  pp.  G2,  G8.  This  body  continued  as 
an  independent  Presbytery  until  May  5,  1859,  when  it  adopted  the  Basis 
of  Union  of  1858,  and  was  admitted  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  General 
Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  May  25,  18G0,  as  the 
Presbytery  of  Oregon,  with  the  reserved  right  of  final  jurisdiction  in 
cases  of  discipline,  and  also  the  right  of  sending  delegates  to  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  as  it  might  find  expedient.     Vol.  I,  pp.  107,  188,  1860. 

In  the  case  of  the  contested  will  of  Robert  Mackey,  the  Court  held 
that  no  rights  were  impaired  by  this  union  with  the  United  Presbyter- 
ian Church,  and  that  the  Presbytery  of  Oregon  is  identical  with  "  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Oregon,"  and  gave  order  for  the  pay- 
ment of  the  bequest  accordingly.  Vol.  VI,  p.  744,  1887.  See  Oregon, 
Presbytery  of,  and.  United  Presbyterian  Church. 

CXXXVII.     WALDENSIAN  CHURCH. 

Resolved,  That  the  Waldensian  Churches  and  missions  are  earnestly 
commended  still  to  the  sympathies,  the  prayers  and  the  contributions  of 
the  people  iinder  the  care  of  this  Assembly.  Vol.  V,  p.  533,  1882, 
["Delegates  from  the  "Waldensian  Church  were  received  by  several  Assem- 
blies, and  in  1889  a  delegate  was  appointed  to  attend  the  bi-centennial 
celebration  of  "the  Return."     Vol.  VII,  p.  235,  1889.] 

CXXXVIII.     WEEK  OF  PRAYER. 
I.  Observance  of  the  Week  of  Prayer  Recommended.— i2e- 

solved,  6.  Feeling  that  God  has  approved  and  signally  blessed  the 
exercises  in  connection  with  the  world's  prayer  meetings,  we  would  re- 
commend that  the  second  week  of  January,  1862,  be  spent  in  religious 
exercises.     Vol.  I,  p.  21 G,  1861. 

•  Resolved,  1.  Believing  that  the  world's  prayer  meetings,  which  have 
been  held  by  various  Christian  denominations  for  several  years  past, 
have  been  productive  of  much  good,  we  recommend  that  the  second 
week  of  January,  1863,  be  observed  as  a  week  of  prayer  by  the  people 
under  our  care.     Vol.  I,  p.  353,  1862. 

Resolved,  11.  That  in  view  of  the  signal  blessings  that  followed  the 
special  season  of  prayer  during  the  past  winter,  and  the  need  which 
there  is  at  home  and  abroad  for  an  outpouring  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  that 
all  our  churches  be  urged  to  observe  the  week  of  prayer  in  the  beginning 
of  1867.     Vol.  II,  p.  302,  18G6. 

Resolved,  9.  That  we  renew  our  recommendation  to  all  our  congre- 


women's  auxiliary  board,  the  341 

gations  to  spend  the  first  week  of  January  in  supplicating  the  outpour- 
ing of  the  Divine  Spirit  upon  the  church  and  the  world.  Vol.  II,  p. 
416,  1867. 

[The  General  Assembly  appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  a  program 
for  the  Week  of  Prayer.     Vol.  VI,  p.  27,  1884.] 

2.  One  Day  of  the  Week  of  Prayer  Set  Apart  for  Temper- 
ance.— The  Assembly  petitioned  the  International  committee  ot  the 
Evangelical  Alliance  to  set  apart  one  day  of  the  week  of  prayer  for  1881 
to  be  devoted  to  the  cause  of  temperance.  Vol.  V,  p,  195,  1880. 
[This  petition  was  renewed,  Vol.  V,  p.  364,  1881;  p.  534,  1882;  p. 
740,  1883;  Vol.  VI,  p.  240,  1885.] 

[The  Assembly  also  gave  order  that  if  the  request  for  one  day  of  the 
week  of  prayer  for  temperance,  were  not  granted,  the  Principal  Clerk 
should  designate  one  day  for  this  purpose,  and  recommend  its  observance 
by  our  people.  Vol.  V,  p.  535, 1882.  This  act  was  repeated,  Vol.  V,  p. 
740,  1883,  Vol.  VI,  p.  240,  1885.] 

CXXXIX.     WILSON'S  APPEAL. 

[For  the  Appeal  of  Rev.  Samuel  Wilson  and  others,  see  McCune'a 
case.] 

CXL.     WOMEN  TAKING    PART    IN  PUBLIC   RELIGIOUS 

EXERCISES. 

Resolved,  3.  That  the  Assembly  believes  that  the  reading  of  the 
Scriptures,  prayer,  the  singing  of  Psalms,  and  earnest  religious  admon- 
ition and  rebuke,  belong  exclusively  to  no  privileged  class  or  sex,  but 
devolve  on  all  members  of  the  Church,  male  and  female,  and  are  to  be 
used  for  the  conversion  of  sinners,  and  for  the  suppression  of  vice  by  all 
who  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.     Vol.  IV,  p.  41,  1874. 

CXLI.     WOMEN'S  AUXILIARY  BOARD,  THE 
The  Organization  of  the  Women's  Auxiliary  Board. — [The 

establishment  of  a  Women's  Board  was  brought  to  the  attention  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  1884,  which,  without  committing  the  Assembly  to 
the  measure,  appointed  a  committee  to  consider  the  subject,  and,  if  the 
way  be  clear,  to  report  a  plan  for  the  organization  to  the  next  Assem- 
bly. Vol.  VI,  p.  40,  1884.  This  committee  reported  that  the 
Women's  Convention  recently  held  had  expressed  itself  as  averse  to 
such  an  organization,  and  therefore  no  action  was  taken.  Vol.  VI,  p. 
298,  1885.  At  the  third  annual  meeting  of  the  Women's  General 
Missionary  Society,  the  establisiiment  of  a  Board  was  agreed  upon,  to 
be  styled  "  The  Women's  Auxiliary  Board,"  "  no  work  to  be  under- 
taken without  the  advice  of  the  regular  Boards  of  the  Church."  At 
the  same  time  fifteen  ladies  were  appointed  as  members  of  this  Board. 
The  General  Assembly  adopted  the  following:] 

Resolved,  2.  That  we  cordially  approve  the  purpose  of  the  Women's 
Missionary  Board  as  auxiliary  to  the  Boards  of  the  General  Assembly, 
and  to  be  conducted  according  to  their  concurrent  advice.  [At  the  same 
time,  in  order  to  prevent  confusion  and   the  possibility  of  collision,  the 


342  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

Assembly  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  the  members  of  the 
Auxiliary  Board  in  relation  to  their  proposition,  with  power  to  draft  a 
constitution  for  such  a  Board,  if  they  deem  it  proper,  and  report  to 
the  next  Assembly.]     Vol.  Yl,  p.  436,  1886. 

[This  committee  reported  that  certain  amendments  to  the  Constitu- 
tion of  the  Women's  General  Missionary  Society  and  the  By-laws  of 
the  Board  had  been  agreed  upon,  and  had  been  adopted  by  the  General 
Missionary  Society.  The  amendments  were  approved  by  the  Assembly. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  679,  1887.  By-law  first  of  the  Board  was  amended  to 
read  :]  "  The  Board  shall  take  charge  of  the  missionary  work  of  the 
General  Society  ;  devise  ways  and  means  for  carrying  on  that  work  i 
give  aid  to  all  the  various  departments  of  missionary  work  undertaken 
by  the  regular  Boards  of  the  Church,  in  sending  out  foreign  mission- 
aries, supporting  native  helpers,  Bible  women,  and  children  in  schools, 
and  supporting  teachers  in  the  home  field  ;  and  for  this  purpose  it  shall 
receive  and  disburse  all  money,  which  sliall  be  contributed  or  placed  in 
its  charge  by  auxiliary  societies." 

2.  Relation  of  the  Auxiliary  Board  to  the  General  Assembly 

and  the  Other  Boards. — Resolved,  2.  That  we  cordially  approve  the 
purpose  of  the  "Women's  Missionary  Board  as  auxiliary  to  tlie  Boards 
of  the  General  Assembly,  and  to  be  conducted  according  to  their  con- 
current advice.     Vol.  VI,  p.  436,  1886. 

Resolved,  2  .  .  .  That  the  AVomen's  Board  be  directed  to  report  an- 
nually to  the  Assembly.     Vol.  VII,  p.  221,  1889. 

■  [Some  misapprehension  as  to  the  exact  meaning  of  the  action  of  the 
Assembly  in  relation  to  the  transfer  of  the  medical  work  in  the  foreign 
fields  to  the  Auxiliary  Board  was  reported  as  existing,  and  the  Assem- 
bly appointed  a  committee  to  report  to  tlie  next  Assembly  such  regula- 
tions as  may  seem  neccessary  to  harmonious  co-operation  among  all 
the  Boards.  Vol.  VII,  p.  428,  1890.  This  committee  reported  that 
no  general  regulations  were  necessary,  and  submitted  regulations  for  the 
medical  work  in  the  foreign  field.  Vol.  VII,  p.  735,  1891.  The  As- 
sembly adopted  the  following:] 

Resolved,  2.  That  no  action  should  be  taken  which  would  tend  to 
divide  the  control  of  the  work  belonging  to  any  of  the  Boards  of  the 
Church,  Home  or  Foreign. 

3.  That  we  express  the  conviction  that  the  members  of  the  Women's 
Auxiliary  Board  should  be  elected  by  the  General  Assembly  in  a  man- 
ner similar  to  that  governing  other  Boards. 

4.  That  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  the  Women's  Mis- 
sionary Board  should  either  obtain  a  new  charter  or  have  its  present 
charter  so  amended  that  it  shall  be  in  name  and  in  fact  an  Auxiliary 
Board,  holding  all  its  property  in  trust  for  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  subject  to  the  direction,  disposition  and  control  of  the  Gen- 
ieral  Assembly  ot  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  said  property  to  in- 
ure to  the  trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  said  Church. 

5.  That  a  Committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Women's 
Board  to  more  clearly  define  the  relation  of  the  Women's  Board  to  the 
General  Assembly  and  to  the  other  Boards,  in  keeping  with  the  fore- 
going recommendations.     Vol.  VII,  p.  642,  1891. 


women's  general  missionary  society.  343 

CXLII.      WOMEN'S    GENERAL    MISSIONARY    SOCIETY. 

1.  The  Organization  of  the  General  Missionary  Society. — 

[Missionary  societies  were  ul  first  organized  cliifctly  for  the  support  of 
the  foreign  mission  work,  and  received  the  commendation  of  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly.  Vol.  Ill,  p.  407,  1872  ;  Vol.  IV,  p.  36,  1874;  p.  182, 
1875.  Mrs.  Sarah  F.  Hanna,  who  devoted  herself  very  largely  to  the  work 
of  organizing  societies,  submitted  to  the  General  Assembly  a  draft  of  a 
constitution  for  the  organization  of  a  General  Women's  Missionary  Soci- 
ety. This  was  amended  and  endorsed  by  the  Assembly,  and  a  number 
of  ladies  were  associated  with  her  as  a  committee  to  effect  the  organiza- 
tion. Vol.  IV,  p.  188,  1875.  Tiiis  committee  was  continued  by  suc- 
cessive Assemblies,  1876,  1877.  The  word  "  foreign"  was  stricken  from 
the  constitution  and  the  Society  opened  to  all  mission  work.  Vol.  IV, 
p.  305,  1876.  It  was  ordered  that  societies  make  their  contributions 
through  the  Financial  Agents,  Vol.  IV,  p.  594,  1878,  and  also  that  the 
congregational  and  Presbyterial  societies  shall  be  subordinate  to  the 
sessions  and  Presbyteries  having  jurisdiction.  Vol.  V,  p.  39,  1879. 
Annual  General  Missionary  Conventions,  composed  of  delegates  from 
the  Presbyterial  societies,  began  to  be  held  in  1884.  The  General  As- 
sembly approved  of  the  organization  of  a  Board  appointed  by  the  Gen- 
eral Society,  Vol.  VI,  p.  436,  1886,  and,  with  certain  amendments, 
adopted  the  Constitution  prepared  by  the  Society,  Vol.  VI,  p.  679, 
1887.] 

2.  Relation  of  the  Women's  General  Society  to  the  General 
Assembly  and  the  other  Boards. — Art.  II.  of  the  Constitution  of 

the  Society:  "This  Society  and  its  Board  in  all  work  shall  be  under 
the  control  and  subject  to  the  authority  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church."     Vol.  VI,  p.  679,  1887. 

Art.  IX.  of  the  Constitution  :  "  The  Women's  General  Missionary 
Society  and  its  Board  shall  undertake  none  of  the  regular  work  of  any 
of  the  Boards  of  the  Church  without  the  advice  of  such  Board  and  in 
harmony  with  it."     Vol.  VI,  p.  679,  1887. 

[The  Constitution  as  approved  by  the  Assembly  was  adopted  by  the 
General  Missionary  Society.     Vol.  VII,  p.  91,  1888.] 

3.  The  Charter  of  the  Women's  General  Missionary  Society. 

— A  Charter  was  obtained  in  Allegheny  County,  Pa.,  for  the  Women's 
General  Missionary  Society,  December  8,  1888.  Vol.  VII,  p.  290, 
1889. 

Resolved,  4.  That  it  is  the  judgment  of  this  Assembly  that  the  Mis- 
sionary Board  should  either  obtain  a  new  charter  or  have  its  present 
charter  so  amended  that  it  shall  be  in  name  and  in  fact,  an  auxiliary 
board,  holding  all  its  property  in  trust  for  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  subject  to  the  direction,  disposition  and  control  of  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  said  property  to 
inure  to  the  trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  said  Church.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  642,  1891. 

3.  Missionary  Societies  to  Forward  Contributions  Through 

Their  Own  Treasurers.  —  Resolved,  That  the  resolution  directing 
that  all  contributions  shall  be  made  through  financial  agents  of  Presby- 
teries be  hereby  changed  so  as  no  longer  to  apply  to  missionary  socie- 


344  DIGEST  OF  THE  ACTS  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY. 

ties,  and  that  the  Assembly  recommend  that  these  societies  make  all 
their  contributions  for  missionary  purposes  through  their  own  Presby- 
terial  treasurers.     Vol.  VII,  p.  220,  1889. 

CXLIII.     WOMEN'S    CHRISTIAN    TEMPERANCE  UNION. 

Resolved,  4.  That  we  recognize  in  the  Women's  Christian  Temper- 
ance Union  a  powerful  and  most  eiRcient  ally  in  the  war  against  this 
enemy  of  •'  God  and  Home  and  Native  Land,"  and  we  bid  them  God 
speed  in  their  patient,  persistent,  heroic  and  prayerful  efforts  to  make 
effective  their  great  battle  cry,  "  The  saloon  must  go." 

5.  That  while  we  rejoice  in  the  good  work  done  by  the  women's  or- 
ganization in  disseminating  literature  and  providing  lectures,  and  thus 
helping  to  create  and  develop  a  correct  public  sentiment,  we  specially 
commend  and  second  their  efforts  to  secure,  by  State  legislation,  the  in- 
troduction in  our  public  schools  of  temperance  text  books  and  instruc- 
tion in  regard  to  the  effect  of  the  use  of  alcohol  on  the  human  system. 
Vol.  VI,  p.  32,  1884. 

6.  That  we  highly  appreciate  the  spirit  and  work  of  the  National 
Women's  Christian  Temperance  Union.     Vol.  VI,  p.  240,  1885. 

5.  That  in  the  rapid  progress  now  being  made  in  the  cause  of  tem- 
perance, much  credit  is  due  to  the  prayers  and  labors  of  the  Women's 
Christian  Temperance  Union,  and  while  not  endorsing  everything  they 
do — notably,  some  of  their  Sabbath  meetings — we  rejoice  in  the  great 
and  good  work  they  are  accomplishing,  and  bid  them  God-speed.  Vol. 
V,  p.  433,  1886. 

CXLIV.     WORSHIP. 
Acts  of  Worship  in  Praise  Defined.— The  following  question  is 

asked  :  "  Does  the  declaration  of  our  Testimony  on  Psalmody,  Article 
XVIII,  permit  members  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  to  join  in 
the  singing  of  the  compositions  of  uninspired  men,  in  connection  with 
religious  services,  held  anywhere  or  under  any  circumstances?" 

That  Article  XVIII  clearly  requires  us  to  use  only  the  songs  con- 
tained in  the  Book  of  Psalms  in  the  worship  of  God,  needs  no  argu- 
ment; and  that  uninspired  songs  may  be  sung  otherwise  than  as  acts  of 
worship  is  equally  clear. 

No  definite  rule  can  be  laid  down  by  which  all  can  be  enabled  to  de- 
termine between  acts  of  worship  and  exercises  of  a  kindred  but  less 
solemn  character.  Something  must,  therefore,  be  left  to  the  good  sense 
and  Christian  prudence  of  each  individual. 

The  intention  of  others,  ^^\l\\  whom  we  may  be  expected  to  join  in 
singing,  will  generally  be  a  valuable  help  in  determining  this  question. 
If  they  are  engaged  in  worship  according  to  their  own  declaration,  then 
we,  in  joining  with  them,  will  be  regarded  as  uniting  in  their  worship. 
"But  if  any  man  say  unto  you,  this  is  offered  in  sacrifice  unto  idols, 
eat  not,"  is  a  direction  that  may  safely  be  followed  in  many  things,  that 
are  not  properly  classed  with  idolatry.     Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  question  of  the  memorial  be  answered  in  the  neg- 
ative.    Vol.  VI,  p.  680,1887. 


TOUNG  people's  avork.  345 

CXLY.     YOUNG  PEOPLE'S  WORK. 

1.  Organization  of  Young-  People's  Work.— [A  convention, 

composed  of  delegates  from  the  Young  People's  Societies  of  the  Church, 
held  in  Allegheny,  Ph.,  asked  the  General  Assembly  to  take  charge  of 
the  work  among  the  Young.     The  Assembly  adopted  the  following  :] 

Resolved,  1.  That  a  permanent  committee  of  five  be  appointed  to  give 
general  direction  to  the  work  among  our  young  people,  with  authority 
to  prepare  and  publish  a  constitution  for  young  people's  societies,  in 
harmony  with  the  principles  and  usages  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  that  the  name  at  the  head  of  the  committee  be  retired 
each  year  and  another  name  be  added  at  the  foot. 

2.  That  the  matter  of  the  selection  and  publication  of  a  periodical  to 
be  devoted  to  this  Avork,  be  committed  to  the  committee  provided  for  in 
the  first  resolution. 

3.  That  tlie  holding  of  Young  People's  Institutes  in  various  localities 
in  the  Church  be  encouraged.     Vol.  VII,  p.  214,  1889. 

4.  That,  recognizing  tlie  great  benefit  to  the  Church  in  the  organiza- 
tions of  the  young  for  spiritual  work,  pastors  and  sessions  are  earnestly 
recommended  to  avail  themselves  of  this  efficient  agency  for  the  exten- 
sion of  Christ's  kingdom.     Vol.  VII,  p.  228,  1889. 

The  General  Assembly  also  appointed  a  General  Secretary  of  Youn" 
People's  Work.     Vol.  VII,  p.  430,  1890.  ° 

Resolved,  I.  That  we  view  with  pleasure  and  hereby  express  our 
gratitude  to  God  for  the  wonderful  awakening  during  the  past  year 
among  our  young  people,  and  for  their  enthusiastic  devotion  to  Chris- 
tian work. 

3.  That  the  Permanent  Committee  should  make  an  effort,  through 
the  Presbyterial  Sabbath  School  Superintendents,  to  systematize  the 
•work  of  holding  conventions. 

4.  That  the  Yomiy  Christian  should  be  exclusively  devoted  to  the  in- 
terests of  the  young  people's  organizations. 

5.  That  we  approve  the  action  of  the  Permanent  Committee  in  tak- 
ing steps  to  prepare  a  Manual  for  the  instruction  and  assistance  of  our 
young  people  in  their  work.     Vol.  VII,  p.  430,  1890. 

Resolved,  1.  That  we  express  gratitude  to  God  for  the  increasing  in- 
terest manifested  by  Our  Young  People,  and  for  their  loyal  devotion  to 
the  work  of  the  Church  during  the  year. 

2.  That  we  commend  and  approve  the  work  of  the  Committee  on 
Young  People's  Work,  as  presented  in  the  annual  report.  Vol.  VII,  p. 
648,  1891. 

[Tlie  Permanent  Committee  on  Young  People's  Work  reported  a 
Constitution  for  a  general  organization  of  the  Young  People,  which  had 
been  adopted  by  a  General  Convention.  It  was  adopted  by  the  Assem- 
bly.    Vol.  VII,  p.  648,  1891.     Its  leading  articles  are  as  follows:] 

Article  i — Name.  This  Assembly  shall  be  called  "  The  Insti- 
tute of  Our  Young  People  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North 
America." 

Article  ii.  —  Ecclesiastical  Status.  The  Institute  shall  be 
subject  to  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of 
North  America,  and  in  accordance  with  principles  hereinafter  contained, 


346  DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 

shall  be  under  the  immediate  supervision  of  a  joint  committee  of  ten 
persons,  five  of  whom  shall  be  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly, 
and  five  elected  annually  by  the  Institute,  and  the  General  Secretary  of 
Young  People's  Work  shall  be,  ex-officio,  a  member  of  this  committee. 
The  person  who  stands  first  in  the  Assembly's  portion  of  the  committee 
shall  be  Chairman.  [This  joint  committee  shall  be  known  as  the  Gen- 
eral Committee  on  Young  People's  Work.     Art.  VI.] 

Article  hi Object.     The  Institute  shall  be  a  training  school  for 

young  Christians,  and  its  object  shall  be  three-fold  :  To  instruct  in 
Bible  study,  and  practical  piety  ;  to  create  and  stimulate  enthusiasm  in 
Christian  life  and  work,  especially  in  promoting  the  growth  and  pros- 
perity of  the  congregations  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  ;  and  to 
promote  greater  spirituality. 

Article  iv Membekship.     Section   1.    All  persons  attending 

the  Institute,  and  members  of  organizations  under  the  supervision  of  the 
Institute,  shall  be  members  thereof,  having  the  privilege  of  conference 
and  debate,  and  of  voting  upon  all  matters  except  executive  business. 

Sec.  2.  Two  duly  accredited  persons  from  each  Presbyterial  Conven- 
tion and  each  Young  People's  Society  in  the  congregations  and  educa- 
tional institutions  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church,  however  they 
may  be  organized,  or  without  organization,  shall  be  delegate  members  ; 
and  these  delegate  members,  and  no  others,  sliall  have  the  right  to  vote 
upon  executive  business.     Vol.  VII,  pp.  648,  724,  1891. 

[The  Committee  also  reported  a  constitution  for  Presbyterial  conven- 
tions, which  was  amended  and  adopted.  Vol.  VII,  pp.  648,  727, 
1889.] 

2.  Contributions  and  Special  Evangelistic  Work. — Resolved, 

3.  That  Our  Young  People  are  to  be  commended  for  their  action  in 
opposing  the  endorsement  of  special  evangelistic,  or  benevolent  work, 
and  in  recognizing  the  Boards  of  the  Church  as  the  only  proper  chan- 
nels throuzh  which  their  general  contributions  should  be  directed.  Vol. 
VII,  p.  648,  1891. 


APPENDIX. 


HOME  MISSIONS,  BOARD  OF. 

[The  committee  on  Changes  in  the  Home  Mission  System,  appointed  by 
the  General  Assembly  of  1891,  submitted  a  report  to  the  folio-wing  Assembly, 
•which  was  adopted.  VIII,  p.  116.  The  amended  constitution  of  the  Board 
of  Home  Missions  and  the  revised  regulations  are  as  follows:] 

1.  Constitution  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions. 

1.  Name  and  Location.  This  Board  shall  be  styled  "The  Board  of 
Home  Missions  of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  Amer- 
ica," and  shall  be  located  in  Pittsburgh,  Penn'a. 

2.  The  General  Committee.  Theie  shall  be  a  General  Committee  of 
Home  Missions,  whicli  shall  be  composed  of  one  delegate  from  each  Pres- 
bytery of  the  Church,  elected  annually  by  the  Presbytery  ;  one  member  of 
the  Board  of  Home  Missions  and  one  member  of  the  Board  of  Church  Ex- 
tension, appointed  annually  by  these  Boards  respectively. 

3.  Powers  of  the  General  Committee.  The  General  Committee  of  Home 
Missions,  under  the  direction  and  control  of  the  General  Assembly,  shall 
have  general  supervision  of  the  whole  work  of  home  missions.  It  shall  an- 
nually take  action  upon  applications  of  Presbyteries  for  grants  of  money,  and 
shall  have  power,  at  its  discietion,  to  appoint  missionaries  for  special  mis- 
sions or  special  -work,  and  to  act  upon  any  other  matters  affecting  the  cause 
of  home  missions  :  being  governed  in  its  proceedings  by  the  Regulations  for 
Home  Mission  Work. 

4.  Powers  of  the  Board.  The  Board  of  Home  Missions  shall  have  execu- 
tive charge  and  oversight  of  the  work  of  home  missions  ;  shall  have  power 
to  meet  emergencies  arising  during  the  interval  between  meetings  of  the 
General  Committee  ;  and  in  general  shall  exercise  such  powers  and  perform 
Buch  duties  as  are  entrusted  to  it  by  the  Regulations  for  Home  Mission  Work, 
or  by  special  action  of  the  General  Assembly. 

2.  Regulations  of  Presbyteries. 

1.  Delegates  to  General  Committee.  Each  Presbytery  shall  appoint  an- 
nually one  delegate  to  represent  it  in  the  General  Committee  of  Home 
Missions.  If  it  is  possible  to  avoid  it,  no  person  expecting  aid  for  his  congre- 
gation from  the  home  mission  funds  shall  be  appointed  a  delegate. 

2.  Annual  Reports.  Presbyteries  shall  report  annually,  not  later  than 
the  20th  of  April,  to  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions : 

a.  The  names  of  stations  for  which  aid  is  needed,  and  the  amount 
which,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery,  should  be  granted  to 
each  one. 

h.  The  names  of  delegates  to  the  General  Committee. 

c.  Answers  to  any  questions  which  the  General  Assembly  or  the 
Board  may  authorize  to  be  addressed  to  them. 

3.  Applications  for  Aid  shall  be  made  upon  blank  forms  approved  by  the 
General  Assembly  and  furnished  by  the  Board.     These  papers,  when  filled 

(347) 


348  APPENDIX. 

up  and  approved  by  the  Presbytery,  shall  be  forwarded  to  the  Corresponding 
Secretary  of  the  Board  not  later  than  April  20th  in  each  year.  The  vote  of 
the  Presbytery  upon  each  application  (that  is.  the  number  voting  for  and  the 
number  voting  against),  together  with  the  number  of  members  present,  shall 
be  reported  in  connection  with  the  certificate  of  approval. 

4.  Care  in  Certifying  Applications.  Aid  shall  not  be  asked  for  any  sta- 
tion beyond  what,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Presbytery,  after  careful  examina- 
tion, is  really  necessary  and  justified  by  the  prospects  of  the  field. 

5.  Contributions  for  Home  Support.  Presbyteries  shall  require  all 
congregations  asking  aid  to  contribute  liberally,  according  to  their  ability, 
for  the  support  of  their  ministers  ;  and  ordinarily  the  regular  payment  of  the 
amount  promised  in  the  application,  or  fixed  by  the  Presbytery,  for  this  pur- 
pose, shall  be  a  condition  applying  to  every  grant. 

6.  Contributions  and  Security  to  Boards.  No  station  or  congregation 
shall  receive  aid  which  does  not  contribute  to  the  Boards  of  the  Church,  or 
■which  refuses  to  give  the  required  security  for  aid  granted  by  the  Board  of 
Church  Extension. 

7.  Property  Must  be  Secured.  As  a  condition  of  aid  from  the  home 
mission  fund  the  property  of  congregations  must  be  secured  to  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church,  as  required  by  action  of  the  General  Assembly  in 
1873,  1883  and  1889.  Either  in  the  deed,  or  in  a  separate  Declaration  of 
Trust,  the  following  clause  must  appear:  "That  the  said  land  and  premises, 
herein  above  described,  shall  be  and  are  held  in  trust  as  and  for  a  place  of 
divine  worship,  subject  to  the  standards  and  acts  of  the  United  Presbyter- 
ian Church  of  North  America,  as  from  time  to  time  authorized  by  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly  of  said  Church  ;  and  that  in  case  the  said  United  Pres- 
byterian of  shall  cease  to  exist,  be  dissolved,  or  cease  to  be  coq- 
nected  with  and  subject  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  said  General  Assembly  or 
shall  lose  its  corporate  existence,  the  trust  shall  terminate  and  the  title  shall 
vest  absolutely  in  the  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church  of  North  America,  who  shall  then  have  the  right  to  sell 
and  convert  the  same  into  money  without  any  liability  of  the  purchaser  of 
the  property  to  see  to  the  application  of  the  proceeds  of  such  sale  ;  and  when- 
ever, in  the  judgment  of  the  said  Trustees  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  North  America,  it  shall  be  proper  or  right, 
for  any  cause,  to  terminate  such  ti'ust,  and  sell  or  otherwise  dispose  of  the 
Baid  property,  the  said  Trustees  may,  in  their  discretion,  act  accordingly." 
Presbyteries  are  required  to  give  assurance  to  the  Board  that  this  condition 
is  fulfilled. 

8.  G-rouping  into  Pastoral  Charges.  So  far  as  practicable,  mission  sta- 
tions shall  be  grouped  together,  or  united  with  self-supporting  congrega- 
tions, in  convenient  pastoral  charges  ;  and  no  station  shall  be  recommended 
for  aid  which  can  be  itnited  with  a  neighboring  station  or  congregation  in 
one  charge,  for  which  no  help,  or  a  smaller  amount,  would  be  necessary. 

9.  Superintendent  of  Missions.  Each  I'resbytery  shall  nominate  an- 
nually to  the  General  Assembly  one  of  the  ministers  connected  with  it,  for 
appointment  as  Superintendent  of  Missions  for  the  Presbytery.  It  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  Superintendent  of  Missions,  subject  to  the  direction  and  con. 
trol  of  the  Presbytery,  to  superintend  its  mission  work  ;  to  see  that  all  ne- 
cessary action  is  taken  upon  applications  for  aid  and  annual  reports  to  the 
Board  ;  to  obtain  a  quarterly  report  from  missionaries  laboring  in  stations 
receiving  aid  ;  to  make  a  quarterly  report,  in  the  form  approved  by  the  Gen- 
eral Assembly,  to  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Home  Mis- 
sions ;  to  receive  from  the  Treasurer  of  the  Board,  receipt  for  and  distribute 
the  money  appropriated  to  aid  congregations  and  mission  stations  ;  and  in 
general  to  act  as  the  organ  of  communication  between  the  Presbytery  and 
the  Board,  and  perform  such  duties  as  the  Assembly  may  direct.  His  ac- 
coiints  shall  be  audited  annually  by  the  Presbytery. 

10.  Presbyterial  Committee  on  Home  Missions.  It  is  recommended 
that  each  Presbytery  appoint  a  Committee  on  Home  Missions,  with  the 
Superintendent  of  Missions  as  chairman.     It  should  be  the  duty  of  the  mem- 


HOME    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  349 

bers  of  this  Committee  to  advise  with  the  Superintendent  of  Missions  and  as- 
sist him  iu  his  work.  The  Committee  may  also  be  given  power  to  act  for 
the  Presbytery,  during  the  intervals  of  its  meetings,  upon  any  matter  affect- 
ing the  interests  of  the  mission  work  in  its  bounds. 

3.  Regulations  fok  the  General  Commttee. 

11.  Meeting  and  Quorum.  The  General  Committee  of  Home  Missions 
Bhall  meet  annually,  at  the  place  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly,  seven 
working  days  before  the  sessions  of  the  General  Assembly  begin.  A  major- 
ity of  delegates,  duly  appointed  by  Presbyteries,  shall  be  a  quorum. 

12.  The  Secretary  and  His  Duties.  The  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the 
Board  of  Home  Missions  shall  be,  ex-officio,  Secretary  of  the  General  Com- 
mittee. He  shall  prepare  a  roll  of  the  members  from  the  official  reports  of 
Presbyteries,  and  shall  have  charge  of  all  records  and  papers. 

13.  Organization.  When  assembled,  the  General  Committee  shall  be 
called  to  order  by  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board,  who  shall  pre- 
side temporarily.  He  shall  call  the  roll,  and,  if  a  quorum  be  found  present, 
the  organizat)ou  shall  be  completed  by  the  election  of  a  chairman  and  one 
or  more  assistant  secretaries. 

14.  Committees.  Not  later  than  the  second  day  of  the  meeting  three 
committees  shall  be  appointed,  each  of  five  members,  who  shall  be  nomi- 
nated by  the  chairman,  namely : — 

A  Committee  on  Special  Missions  and  Special  Work,  to  which  shall  be  re- 
ferred cases  which  have  been  for  a  time  in  the  special  care  of  the  Board  ; 
requests  of  Presbyteries  to  have  stations  placed  in  the  list  of  special  mis- 
sions ;  applications  for  the  appointment  or  support  of  special  missionaries  • 
and  any  other  requests  which  the  General  Committee  may  direct  them  to 
consider. 

A  Committee  on  Neic  Work,  to  which  shall  be  referred  the  applications  for 
fields  in  which  work  is  not  yet  begun,  and  of  congregations  which  have  not 
before  received  aid. 

A  Committee  on  Resolutions  and  Recommendations  to  the  General  Assem- 
ply.  This  Committee  shall  consider  all  papers  referred  to  them,  and  may, 
in  their  discretion,  propose  action  on  any  matter  affecting  the  home  mission 
work. 

15.  Order  of  Business.  The  business  of  the  General  Committee  shall  be 
taken  up  in  the  following  order : — 

a.  Consideration  of  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Board. 

b.  Appropriation  of  money  in  cases  not  referred  to  the  Committees. 

c.  Reports  of  the  Committees  on  Special  Missions  and  New  Work. 

d.  Miscellaneous  business. 

16.  Appropriation  of  Money.  In  the  appropriation  of  money  the  Gen- 
eral Committee  shall  keep  in  view  the  interests  of  the  whole  field,  and  the 
relative  importance  and  necessities  of  the  different  parts.  The  following 
order  of  procedure  may  be  observed  : — 

a.  Consider  what  limit,  if  any,  should  be  placed  upon  the  whole 

amount  to  be  granted. 

b.  Take  up  the  applications  for  aid  in  such  classified  order  as  may 

be  found  best. 

c.  As  each  case  is  taken  up,  hear  the  papers  read  ;  hear  the  delegate 

from  the  Presbytery  making  the  application,  taking  care  to  as- 
certain that  the  rules  relating  to  recommendations  for  aid  have 
been  observed  ;  give  opportunity  for  questions  and  discussion  by 
other  delegates. 

d.  Without  any  motion,  the  question  to  be  put  by  the  Chairman 

shall  be:  "Shall  the  request  be  granted?"  But  any  delegate 
may  offer  an  amendment  or  substitute. 

17.  Majority  Necessary  to  Make  Grant,  No  grant  shall  be  made  in  the 
absence  of  a  quorum,  or  by  any  number  of  votes  less  than  a  majority  of  all 
the  members  present  when  the  vote  is  taken. 

18.  Stated  Supply  or  Settlement  a  Condition  of  Grants.    All  grants 


350  APPENDIX. 

shall  be  on  condition  of  stated  supply  or  settlement,  unless  the  work  in  view 
is  of  an  experimental  or  temporary  chai-acter.  By  stated  supply  shall  be  un- 
derstood continuous  service  by  the  same  man,  for  whatever  proportion  of 
time  is  taken  by  the  station,  during  three  months  or  more. 

19.  Referring  Oases  to  the  Board.  Cases  in  which  all  necessary  infor- 
mation is  before  the  General  Committee,  shall  not  be  referred  to  the  Board  ; 
but  the  condition  "  At  the  discretion  of  the  Board  "  may  be  attached  to  any 
grant,  and  should  generally  be  attached  to  all  grants  for  work  not  yet  begun. 

20.  Referring  Back  to  Presbytery.  When  doubt  arises  as  to  the  advis- 
ability of  any  proposed  grant  because  the  success  of  the  work  seems  to  be 
hindered  by  circumstances  which  it  may  be  in  the  power  of  the  Presbytery 
to  change,  the  case  may  be  referred  back  to  the  Presbytery.  In  any  such  in- 
stance the  Presbytery  may,  after  careful  consideration,  bring  the  case  before 
the  Board. 

21.  No  Increase  of  Grant  in  Certain  Cases.  No  grant  greater  than  the 
sliding  scale  allows  shall  be  made  to  stations  that  have  not  been  brought  be- 
fore the  Board,  prior  to  the  meeting  of  t)ie  General  Committee,  as  required 
by  the  rules  ;  but  exceptional  cases  may.  if  a  majority  of  ail  the  delegates 
present  agree,  be  referred  to  the  Board  for  consideration  of  their  claims, 
when  duly  presented  by  the  Presbyteries  concerned,  to  exemption  and  an  in- 
crease. 

22.  Miscellaneous  Business.  Under  this  head  the  General  Committee 
shall  consider  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Resolutions  and  Recommend- 
ations to  the  General  Assembly,  and  may  take  action  upon  any  other  matter 
relating  to  the  home  mission  work. 

23.  Report  to  the  Assembly.  When  all  business  is  thus  transacted,  a  full 
report  shall  be  prepared,  printed  and  submitted  to  the  General  Assembly. 

4.  Regulations  for  the  Board. 

24.  Meetings  and.  Officers.  Regular  meetings  of  the  Board  shall  be  held 
on  the  second  Monday  of  each  month;  special  meetings  at  its  own  discretion. 
At  the  regular  meeting  in  July  of  each  year  the  members  shall  elect  from 
their  own  number  a  piesident,  a  vice  president  and  a  recording  secretary, 
and,  without  restriction  to  their  own  number,  a  treasurer,  from  whom  they 
shall  require  such  security  as  may  be  judged  necessary. 

25.  Duties  and  Powers.  The  Board  shall  carry  out  the  measures  adopted 
by  the  General  Assembly  from  year  to  year;  take  general  supervision  and 
control  of  the  home  mission  work;  assign  missionaries  to  their  fields  of 
labor  as  provided  for  in  these  regulations;  make  proper  and  safe  investment 
of  all  funds  intended  by  the  donors,  or  ordered  by  the  General  Assembly,  to 
be  thus  used;  and  meet  all  emergencies  as  they  may  arise  during  the  year. 

26.  Rejected  Applications  for  Aid.  The  Board  is  forbidden,  except  in 
cases  of  extreme  necessity,  to  grant  appropriations  of  money  to  any  station 
whose  application  for  the  current  year  has  been  considered  and  rejected  by 
the  General  Committee  or  the  General  Assembly. 

27.  Quarterly  Reports  and  Accounts.  Near  the  close  of  each  quarter 
the  Corresponding  Secretary  shall  forward  to  Superintendents  of  Missions 
blanks,  in  forms  approved  by  the  General  Assembly,  for  quarterly  reports. 
When  the  reports  are  received,  he  shall  number  them  in  the  order  of  dates  of 
mailing,  giving  preference,  when  dates  are  the  same,  to  the  Presbyteries  to 
which  the  larger  amounts  are  found  due,  and  counting  as  of  the  same  date 
all  reports  mailed  within  the  week  succeeding  the  last  Sabbath  of  the  quar- 
ter ;  and  shall  draw  warrants  on  the  Treasurer,  numbered  in  the  same 
order,  for  tlie  amounts  due  to  the  several  Presbyteries.  In  determining  the 
amount  due,  those  stations  only  shall  be  included  which  are  certified  by 
Superintendents  of  Missions  as  having  fulfilled  the  conditions  on  which  aid 
was  granted. 

28.  Payment  of  Warrants.  The  Treasurer  shall  pay  the  warrants 
drawn  by  the  Corresponding  Secretary  in  the  order  of  their  numbers.  He 
shall  pay  the  whole  amount  due  to  each  Presbytery  to  the  Superintendent  of 
Missions.  He  shall  not  pay  out  any  of  the  funds  in  his  hands  without  a  war- 
rant from  the  Board. 


HOME    MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  351 

29.  Unfulfilled  Conditions.  No  warrant  shall  be  given  for  the  payment 
of  money  upon  any  appropriation  the  conditions  of  which  are  unfulfilled, 
without  special  authorization  from  the  Board.  The  Board  is  required  to 
exercise  great  caution  in  removing  or  changing  conditions  attached  to  grants 
of  money,  and  shall  in  no  case  do  so  without  a  specific  request  of  the  proper 
Presbytery,  accompanied  by  a  statement  of  reasons  entirely  satisfactory  to 
the  Board.  But  in  cases  where  it  is  found  impossible  to  fulfill  the  condition 
of  stated  supply,  the  Board  may,  upon  a  statement  of  the  facts  by  a  Super- 
intendent of  Missions,  allow  some  part  of  the  grant  to  be  used  for  occasional 
supplies. 

3U.  Annual  Report.  Before  the  meeting  of  the  General  Committee  of 
Home  Missions,  in  each  year,  a  full  report  to  the  General  Assembly  shall  be 
prepared  and  adopted  by  the  Board,  detailing  its  operations  during  the  year, 
the  condition,  prospects  and  necessities  of  the  work  entrusted  to  its  care,  and 
the  applications  from  Presbyteries  for  aid  for  the  ensuing  year,  together 
with  such  recommendations  as  may  be  thought  proper.  This  report  shall 
be  printed,  laid  before  the  General  Committee,  and  submitted  to  the  General 
Assembly. 

31.  Auditing  Treasurer's  Accounts.  The  Board  shall  see  that  the  ac- 
counts of  its  Treasurer  are  audited  at  the  close  of  each  financial  year,  and 
that  this  is  properly  certified  upon  his  annual  report. 

5.  Sliding  Scale  Appropriations. 

32.  Tlie  Rule.  Appropriations  of  money  to  stations  that  have  received 
aid  for  five  yeais  or  more  shall  be  reduced  annually  not  less  than  one-fifth  of 
the  grant  upon  which  the  reduction  begins. 

33.  Exceptional  Cases.  If  any  Presbytery  shall  conclude  that  a  station 
under  its  care  ought  to  be  exempted  from  the  operation  of  the  foregoing  rule, 
it  shall,  not  later  than  the  20th  of  April,  report  to  the  Board  of  Home  Mis- 
sions the  facts  in  the  case,  and  the  Board  shall  report  these  facts,  with  its 
judgment  thereon,  to  the  General  Committee. 

34.  Effect  of  Exemption.  When  a  station  is  exempted  from  the  opera- 
tion of  the  rule,  it  shall  be  but  for  one  year,  and  the  appropriation  made 
under  such  exemption  shall  be  the  basis  on  which  subsequent  reductions 
shall  be  determined. 

6.  Home  Missionaries. 

35.  Enrollment.  All  ministers  and  licentiates  who,  upon  their  own  re- 
quest, shall  be  recommended  by  the  Presbyteries  to  which  they  belong,  for 
service  in  the  home  mission  field,  shall  be  enrolled  by  the  Board  as  home 
missionaries. 

36.  Selection  by  Presbyteries.  Lists  of  all  the  missionaries  thus  en- 
rolled, so  long  as  they  remain  unassigned  to  regular  work,  shall  be  furnished 
by  the  Board  quarterly,  and  at  any  time,  upon  request  from  a  Superintendent 
of  Missions.  From  these  lists  Presbyteries  shall  indicate  to  the  Board  the 
men  preferred  by  them  to  be  employed  in  their  bounds,  and,  if  possible,  shall 
state  to  what  station  they  wish  to  assign  them. 

37.  Choice  by  Missionaries  and  Appointment  by  the  Board.  The  men 
thus  selected  shall  be  notified  by  the  Board  of  all  the  work  thus  offered  to 
them,  and  may  choose  their  fields  of  labor.  On  the  acceptance  by  a  mission- 
ary of  any  chaige  thus  offered,  he  shall  be  assigned  to  it  as  stated  supply  by 
the  Board,  ordmarily  for  one  year.  All  such  appointments  shall  be  pub- 
lished. 

38.  Recruits  for  Home  Mission  Service.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Corresponding  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  to  visit  the  theo- 
logical seminaries  of  the  Church  annually,  if  possible,  and  present  to  the 
young  men  the  claims  of  the  home  mission  service  upon  rhem. 

39.  Minimum  Salary.  To  secure  regular  and  permanent  supply  for  mis- 
sion stations,  and  the  .settlement  over  them  of  pastors,  as  contemplated  in 
the  preceding  regulations,  it  is  recommended  to  Presbyteries  that  the  mini- 
mum salary  in  mission  charges  shall  be  eight  hundred  dollars  (|800),  includ- 
ing estimated  rent  of  parsonage  if  there  is  one. 


352  APPENDIX. 

40.  Secular  Employment  Forbidden.  Ministers  employed  in  mission 
stations  are  required  to  give  their  entire  time  and  attention  to  ministerial 
duties.  If  engaged  in  any  secular  employment,  no  part  of  the  grants  made 
to  aid  congregations  shall  be  paid  to  them. 

41.  Pastoral  Work  Required-  All  missionaries,  whether  serving  as  pas- 
tors and  stated  supplies,  or  as  occasional  supplies,  are  earnestly  exhorted  to 
the  performance  of  pastoral  duties,  and  to  remember  that  the  success  of 
mission  woik  depends  very  largely  upon  active  and  constant  labor  to  win 
men,  by  personal  contact  and  influence  as  well  as  by  the  public  preaching  of 
the  Gospel. 

42.  Quarterly  Reports.  At  the  end  of  each  quarter,  missionaries  labor- 
ing in  stations  that  receive  aid  shall  report  promptly  to  the  Superintendent 
of  Missions,  using  the  blank  forms  furnished  through  the  Superintendent  by 
the  Board. 

43.  Special  Appointments  not  Restricted.  In  the  appointment  of  mis- 
Bionaries  for  special  work  or  to  special  missions,  neither  the  General  Com- 
mittee nor  the  Board  of  Home  Missions  shall  be  restricted  to  the  enrolled  list 
of  home  missionaries. 

44.  UnenroUed'  Ministers.  Unemployed  ministers  and  licentiates,  not 
enrolled  as  home  missionaries,  may  report  their  names  to  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions,  stating,  if  they  so  desire,  where  and  how  they  wish  to  be  employed; 
and  the  Board  shall,  at  least  quarterly,  send  the  list  of  all  such  names,  and 
the  requests  made,  to  all  the  Presbyteries. 

7.  Special  Missionaries. 

45.  Applications  for  their  Appointment.  When  the  interests  of  the 
mission  work  are  believed  by  any  Presbytery  to  require  the  services  of  a 
special  missionary  to  labor  at  large  in  its  bounds  and  under  its  direction,  ap- 
plicatiou  may  be  made  to  the  General  Committee  or  to  the  Board  of  Home 
Missions  for  the  appointment  of  a  minister  to  such  service.  In  making  the 
application,  the  Presbytery  shall  state  the  work  to  be  done,  the  plan  pro- 
posed for  it,  the  time  during  wliich  it  is  thought  to  be  necessary,  the  salary 
required,  and  any  other  facts  that  will  enable  the  General  Committee  of  the 
Board  to  reach  a  proper  conclusion:  and  shall  also,  if  possible,  nominate  the 
minister  whose  a))pointment  is  desired. 

46.  What  the  Board  may  do.  The  Board  shall  have  power,  in  the  inter- 
val of  meetings  of  the  General  Committee,  to  decide  upon  such  applications; 
to  make  the  appointments  as  may  be  required;  to  fix  the  salary  to  be  paid 
during  the  year  then  current,  and  to  grant  money  for  the  payment  thereof. 
But  the  Board  shall  not  appoint  any  one  as  a  special  missionary  who  is  not 
approved  by  the  Presbytery  in  which  he  is  to  labor, 

47.  Duties  of  Special  Missionaries.  Under  the  direction  of  the  Presby- 
teries to  which  they  are  appointed,  special  missionaries  shall  preach  and  do 
pastoral  and  missionary  work  in  stations  which  are  without  pastors  or 
stated  supplies  ;  aid  in  securing  regular  supplies  for  such  stations  ;  and  give 
needed  assistance,  occasionally,  to  other  missionaries  in  their  work.  They 
shall  especially  endeavor  to  instruct  and  encourage  mission  congregations  in 
the  duty  of  liberal  giving  for  the  support  of  the  ordinances  of  the  Gospel ;  to 
awaken  and  direct  among  them  a  zealous  missionary  spirit  and  an  intelligent 
devotion  to  the  principles  of  the  Church  of  which  they  are  members  ;  and  to 
promote  among  them  united  and  persistent  efforts,  by  all  means  approved 
in  the  Word  of  God,  for  the  conversion  of  souls  and  for  their  own  growth  to 
self-supporting  strength. 

48.  Their  Quarterly  Reports.  At  the  end  of  each  quarter,  special  mis- 
sionaries shall  make  reports,  in  the  usual  form,  for  all  the  mission  stations 
supplied  by  them,  if  such  reports  are  not  made  by  others.  In  addition,  they 
shall  report  fully  their  own  work  during  the  quarter,  the  condition  of  the 
stations  visited,  the  needs  of  the  field,  the  amount  in  detail  paid  to  them  by 
congregations,  and  anything  else  that  may  seem  to  them  important.  These 
personal  reports  shall  be  forwarded  by  Superintendents  of  Missions,  in  con- 
nection with  their  quarterly  reports,  to  the  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the 
Board. 


HOME     MISSIONS,    BOARD    OF.  353 

49.  To  be  Paid  as  Other  Missionaries.  Stations  supplied  by  a  special 
missiouary  shall  pay  him  not  less  than  the  amount  they  would  be  expected 
or  required  to  pay  another  supply.  The  missiouary  shall  account  for  all 
such  payments,  quarterly,  to  the  Superintendent  of  Missions,  as  part  of  his 
salary.  The  due  pioportion  of  the  grants  to  such  stations  shall  also  be 
counted  as  part  of  his  salary. 

50.  Exploring  Work.  Xo  Presbytery  shall  employ  the  special  missionary 
laboring  in  its  bounds  in  exploring  unoccupied  fields,  with  the  view  to  new 
organizations,  without  first  laying  the  subject  before  the  Board  and  obtain- 
ing its  consent  to  the  work  proposed. 

51.  Renewal  of  Appointments  and  Grants.  If  the  labors  of  a  special 
missionary  are  desired  by  any  Presbytery  for  more  than  the  year  current  at 
the  time  of  the  first  appointment,  all  subsequent  requests  for  the  appropria- 
tion of  money  for  his  support  must  be  presented  to  the  General  Committee 
of  Home  Missions,  as  in  the  case  of  other  applications  for  aid. 

8.  Special  Missions. 

52.  How  Constituted.  Upon  the  request  of  a  Presbytery,  the  General 
Committee  of  Home  Missions  may  place  a  paiticular  station' in  the  special 
care  of  the  Board  for  a  specified  term  of  years  ;  but  this  action  shall  not  be 
taken  save  in  exceptional  cases,  such  as  missions  in  large  cities,  or  in  iso- 
lated places,  where  efi"ective  Presbyterial  supervision  is  dilncult  or  impracti- 
cable. 

53.  Appropriations  and  Appointments.  For  such  special  missions  ap- 
propriations of  money  and,  if  they  have  not  settled  pastors,  appointments  of 
missionaries  shall  be  made  by  the  Board  during  the  prescribed  term  of  years, 
and  reported  to  the  General  Assembly. 

54.  Appointments  must  be  Acceptable  to  Presbyteries.  In  the  ap- 
pointment of  missionaries  for  such  stations,  the  Board  shall  not  act  finally, 
unless  assured  that  the  appointment  proposed  will  be  satisfactory  to  the 
Presbytery  concerned. 

55.  Applications  and  Reports.  All  applications  to  the  Board  on  behalf 
of  special  missions  must  be  made  through  the  Presbytery,  as  in  other  cases. 
The  quarterly  reports  and  payments  shall  be  in  the  usual  manner,  through 
the  Superintendent  of  Missions;  but  the  Board  may  receive,  in  addition,  di- 
rect reports  from  the  missionary  or  the  session  of  the  congregation. 

56.  Re-appointment  of  Missionaries.  The  Presbytery  to  which  any 
special  mission  belongs,  when  it  is  served  by  a  stated  supply,  shall  annually 
ascertain  the  wishes  of  the  congregation  as  to  the  re-appointment  of  the  mis- 
sionary, and  shall  report  the  facts,  with  its  judgment  on  the  subject,  to  the 
Board,  in  connection  with  the  annual  application  for  aid. 

57.  Rights  and  Duties  of  Presbyteries  Unaffected.  These  regulations 
in  regard  to  special  missions  must  not  be  understood  as  in  any  manner  af- 
fecting the  relations  of  mission  stations  to  their  Presbyteries,  or  the  rights 
and  responsibilities  of  Presbyteries  towards  the  congregations  and  the  mis- 
sionaries.    Vol.  VIII,  p.  116,  1892. 

23 


INDEX. 


Absence,  leave  of,  78. 
Abstinence,  total,  307. 
Academies,  aid  for,  150. 
Endowment  of,  151. 
Admonition,  46. 
Aged  Ministers'  Fund,  206. 
Agents  of  the  Board  of  Cburcli  Ex- 
tension : 
Presbyterial,  108. 
Special,  109. 
Alliance  of  Reformed  Churches  hold- 
ing  the   Presbyterian  System. 
See  Presbyterian  Council, 
Alliance  of  Presbyterian  Churches  in 

India,  225. 
Alliance  of  Psalm-singing  (Churches. 

244. 
Alternates  of  Commissioners,  174. 
Amendment  to  the  Constitution  of  the 

United  States,  216. 
Amendments  to  the  Book  of  Govern- 
ment and  Discipline,  97. 
Amendments  to  the  General  Consti- 
tution of  the  Boards,  93. 
Amendments  to  motions  in  the  As- 
sembly, 77. 
American      Missionary    Association, 

proposition  of,  166. 
American -Sabbath  Union,  268. 
American  Temperance  Congress,  813. 
Amusements,  79. 

Annuity,  contributions  to  the  Board 
of    Church  Extension  sabiect 
to,  108. 
Anthems,  111, 
Appeals  : 

Definition  of,  51. 

Ground  of,  51. 

Who  may  appeal,  51,  52. 

When  appeal  may  be  taken,  51,52. 

From  decisions  of  Commissions, 

198,  261. 
Notice  of  and  reasons,  51, 
Necessary  papers,  51. 
Order  of  procedure,  51. 
Different  issues,  51. 
Effect  of  action  of  appellate  court, 

51. 
Troublesome  appellants,  51. 


Abandoned,  51. 

Operation  of,  52. 

May  be  refused,  52. 

Limitation  of  time,  53. 

Parties  to,  51,  79.  199. 

Correction  allovred  in  papers  of, 
80.  1-  i-  , 

Rights  of  a  member  of  a  court 

pending  an  appeal  affecting  his 

seat,  81,  136. 
From  Missionary  Presbyteries,  to 

the  Assembly,  81,  176,  214. 
Directly  to  the  Assembly  under 

special  action,  81,  218. 
New  evidence  in,  45. 
Parties   must    be    heard    before 

judgment,  80,  199. 
Proposed  amendment  to  article 

on,  81,  97,  174. 
Rights    of    members    of    lower 

courts  in  cases  of,  49,  80. 
Concerning    instrumental   music 

in  worship,  125. 
On  rights  of  an  elder  pending  the 

question  of  his  office,  81,  136. 
On  competency  of  a  session  to  try 

a  case,  203. 
On    marriage    with    a    deceased 

wife's  sister,  202. 
Of  James  Dawson,  135. 
Of  .lames  Donaldson.  141. 
Of  Rev.  J.  C.  Evans,  153. 
Of  Rev.  R.  Gailey,  171. 
Of  Rev.  H.  Gordon,  175. 
Of  Alexander  Grant,  175. 
Of  Adam  Green,  175. 
Of  Rev.  R.  A.  Hill,  175. 
Of  Rev.  W.  R.  Hutchison,  190. 
Of  Rev.  C.  T.  McCaughan,  198. 
Of  Eleanor,  Jane  L.,  and   Cath- 
arine Marshall,  203. 
Of  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Patterson,  221. 
Of  Rev.  George  A.  Roseburg,  261, 
Of  Rev.  C.  B.  Smyth,  285. 
Of  Rev.  J.  T.  Tate,  305. 
Of  Rev.  S.  Wilson,  199,  341. 
Cases  reported,  82. 
Appeals    from   the   Moderator's   de 

cision,  78,  81. 


(355) 


356 


DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 


Appellants,  51. 

Appellate  power  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, 22,  174. 
Appellate  power  not  given  to  the  India 

Alliance,  226. 
Apportionment  of  fnnds,  156. 
Appropriations,    committee    on,    73, 
74,  82. 
Standing  rnle  on,  82. 
Arbitration,  international,  221. 
Arian  baptism,  89. 
Army   and   navj',  religious   interests 

of,  82,  98. 
Assembly.     See  General  Assembly. 
Assembly  Monthly,  80. 
Assistant  Clerk  of  tlie  General  Assem- 
bly : 
Election  of.  72,  128. 
Term  of  office  of,  72,  128. 
Salary  of,  128. 
Associate  Church  : 

Union  of  with  the  Associate  Re- 
formed Church,  330. 
Funds  of,  84,  285. 
Legal  decision  as  to  its  succession 
and  rights.    See  Speer's  Estate. 
Old  records  of.  337,  338. 
Associate  Reformed  Church  : 

Union  with  the  Associate  Church, 

330. 
Legal  decision   as  to  succession 

and  rights,  336. 
Old  records  of,  337,  33S. 
Associate   Reformed    Synod    of    the 
South,  84. 
Correspondence  with,  84. 
Co-operation  with,  85. 
Union  with,  86. 
Average  per  member.  297. 
Average  salary  of  pastors,  297. 
Ayes  and  nays,  78. 

Baptism,  62,  89. 
Subjects  of,  62. 
Place  of,  62. 
Mode  of,  62,  63,  89. 
Arian,  89. 
Papal,  89. 
Formula  of  questions  for,  62,  63, 

90. 
By  immersion,  89. 
Not  to  be  repeated,  90. 
Duty  of  Christian  parents,  90. 
Bellefonte   system   of   contributions, 

101. 
Benediction,  64. 

Beneficence,  Systematic,  69,  303. 
Beneficiaries  of  the  Board  of  Educa- 
tion : 
To  be  reported  to  the  Assembly, 
150. 


Married,  150. 
Examination  of,  150. 
Not  to  use  tobacco,  150. 
Observance  of  regulations  to  be 

reported,  150. 
Bequests.     See  Legacies. 
Bible  :  In  the  public  schools,  90,  98. 
In  public  worship,  60. 
In  the  Sabbath  schools,  68,  273. 
Bible  fund,  246,  249. 
Bible  Songs,  90. 

Revised  and  enlarged,  91. 
One  version  to  be  used,  92. 
Adapted  to  Young  People's  work, 

92. 
Denominational  imprint  on,  92. 
Copyright  of,  245. 
Bills  and  Overtures,   committee  on, 

73. 
Blanks : 

For  the  committee  on  Narrative 

and  State  of  Religion,  130. 
For  Financial  Agents,  157. 
For  reports  of  Presbyteries,  131. 
For  statistics,  196. 
Boards  of  the  Church,  92. 
Committee  on,  74. 
Conference  on,  94. 
Constitution  of,  92. 
Amendments  to  constitution  of, 

93. 
Corresponding     Secretaries,    ex- 

otficio  members  of,  92,  134. 
^Monthly  statements  of,  95. 
Reports  to  l)e  printed,  94. 
Of  Church  Extension,  104. 
Of  Education,  143. 
Of  Foreign  Missions,  1.58. 
Of    Missions  to  the    Freedmen, 

167. 
Of  Home  Missions,  177. 
Of  Ministerial  Relief,  206. 
Of  Publication.  246. 
Women's  Auxiliary,  341. 
One  Secretary  for,  94. 
Consolidation  of  certain,  93,  185. 
No  special  collection  for,  94. 
Itemized  financial  reports  of,  94. 
Names  of  contributors  to  be  re- 
ported, 94. 
Duties  of  pastors    and    sessions 

to,  15.  95. 
Have   no    jurisdiction    over    the 

principles  of  tlie  Church,  95. 
Book  of  Government  and  Discipline, 

17. 
Preparation  of,  95. 
Adoption  of,  97. 
Amendments  to,  97. 
Brussels  treaty,  97. 
Burial  of  the  dead,  70. 


357 


Business,  order  of,  in  Assembly,  75. 

Call  for  a  pastor  : 

Moderation  of,  39. 

Signers  of,  30. 

Sustained,  30. 

Presented,  30. 

For  settled  minister,  33. 

Form  of  attestation  of,  54,  55. 
Catechismg,  08. 
Censures,  45. 

Character  of,  45. 

Degrees  of,  46. 

Admonition,  46. 

Rebuke,  46. 

Suspension,  46. 

Deposition,  46. 

Excommunication,  47. 
Centenary      of      the      Presbyterian 

Church,  225. 
Centennial  of  the  nation,  98. 

Of  Temperance  work,  313. 
Certificates  of  church  members,  27. 

Limitation,  time  of,  27. 

Withheld,  20. 

Form  of,  54. 
Chanting,  111. 
Charges  : 

Form  of,  39. 

Tabled,  39. 

Must  be  written,  42. 

Specific.  40. 

Admissibility  of,  40. 

Relevancy  of,  40. 

Full  record  of,  41. 
Chaplains  of  the  Army  and  Navy,  83. 
Charity  and  forbearance,  125. 
Charters  : 

Of  Congregations,  98. 

Of  the  General  Assembly,  171. 

Of  the  Board  of  Church  Exten- 
sion, 104. 

Of  the  Board  of  Education,  143. 

Of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Missions, 
158. 

Of  the  Board  of  Missions  to  the 
Freedmen,  167. 

Of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions, 
177. 

Of    the    Board     of    Ministerial 
Relief,  206. 

Of  the  Board  of  Publication,  248. 

Of    the   Women's   General  Mis- 
sionary Society,  343. 
Children  :    Of    foreign   missionaries, 
161,  162. 

Of  professors,  18. 

Sermons  for,  274. 
Chinese  mission : 

Transferred  to  the  Pacific  coast, 
99. 


Change  of  name,  100. 

Transferred  to   Board   of  Home 
Missions.  100. 

Funds  of,  99,  100. 

Property  of,  100. 

Made  a  special  mission,  100. 

Discontinued,  100. 

Annuity  for  missionary,  100. 
Christian  Citizens,  duty  of,  on  tem- 
perance, 311. 
Christian  Commission,  100. 
Christian  Commission,  Union,  83. 
Christian  giving  :  See  also  Systematic 
Giving. 

A  part  of  worship,  101,  305. 

Should  be  proportionate,  101. 

Should  be  proportionate  to  appro- 
priations, 102. 

Special  contributions,  102. 

Weekly  contributions,  101,  304. 

Thank  offerings,  102. 

The  tithe,  101,  304,  305. 

Doubtful  means  to   be  avoided, 
103. 

Information     of     the     Church's 
work  to  be  given,  102. 

Duty  of  pastors  and  sessions,  103. 

Payment  of  pastors'  salaries,  103. 

A  monthly  paper  on,  103. 

Permanent  committee  on,  103, 

Committee  on  Ways  and  Means, 
131. 
Christ's  second  coming,  103. 
Church,  The,  18. 

Visible  and  invisible,  18. 

King  of,  18. 

Ends  of.  18. 

Members  of,  18. 

Officers  of,  18. 

Courts  of,  19. 
Church  dues,  171,  205. 
Church  Extension,  Board  of,  104. 

Charter  of,  104. 

Constitution  of,  105. 

Regulations  of,  106. 

Presbyterial  agents  of,  108. 

Not  to  appoint  special  agents,  109. 

Loan  fund  of,  107. 

Special  loan  funds  of,  108. 

Temporary  loans  to,  108. 

Contributions  to,  subject  to  an- 
nuity, 108. 

May  issue  and  guarantee  bonds, 
109. 

Special  contributions  to,  108. 

Contributions  of  Young  People's 
Societies  to,  108. 

Securities    to    be  given  to,  107, 
108. 

Securities  taken  by,  for  aid  given 
by  Assembly,  107. 


858 


DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 


Its  claims  to  be  protected  by 
Trustees  of  Assembly,  330. 

Rule  on  Church  titles,  107. 

To  secure  and  retain  church  pro- 
perty, 109. 

Presbyterial  supervision  of 
church-building,  109. 

Presbyterial  supervision  of  pro- 
perty of  extinct  churches,  109. 

Aid  for  missions  beyond  Presby- 
terial bounds,  107. 

No  aid  for  rebuilding  in  estab- 
lished congregations,  107. 

Missions  to  be  selected  with  care, 
107. 

Parsonage  fund,  109. 

Regulations  of  parsonage  fund, 
110. 

Parsonage  fund  assigned  to  the 
Women's  Missionary  Board, 
110. 

Represented  in  General  Commit- 
tee of  Home  Missions,  109,  190. 

Consolidation  of,  with  other 
Boards,  93,  185. 

On  Corresponding  Secretary  of, 
giving  his  whole  time,  134. 

Corresponding  Secretary  of,  to 
visit  the  field,  110. 

Salary  of  Corresponding  Secre- 
tary of,  278. 

Salary  of  Treasurer  of,  279. 

Presbyterial  Committees  on,  110. 

Churches  helped  by,   to  be  in- 
sured, 107. 
Churches  : 

Confederation  of  evangelical,  132. 

Conference  of  Presbyterian,  224. 

Consensus  creed  for  Presbyterian, 
225. 

Corresponding  churches,  132. 
Church  members.     See  Members  of 

the  Church. 
Church  music : 

Under  the  control  of  the  session, 
61,  111. 

Congregational  singing,  91. 

Uniformity  in.     See  Psalter,  The. 

Repeating  tunes,  111. 

Instrumental,  112-125.  See  In- 
strumental music  in  worship. 

For  Sabbath  Schools.     See  Bible 
Songs . 
Church  of  Rome,  260. 
Church  property : 

Under  control  of  the  session, 
126,  264. 

Title  to,  98-99,  126,  264. 

Should  be  held  by  deacons,  125. 

May  be  held  by  trustees,  125. 

Deeds  of,  98. 


Declaration  of  trust,  126. 

Compend  of  legal  decisions  con- 
cerning, 126, 

Title  to,  to  be  defended  in  the 
name  of  the  church,  127. 

Statistics  of,  298. 
"Clear  Majority,"  definition  of,  218. 
Clerks  of  church  courts,  24. 
Clerks  of  the  General  Assembly,  70, 
127. 

Principal,  72.  73,  127. 

Principal,  treasurer  of  the  As- 
sembly pro  tern.,  327. 

Second,  72,  73,  127. 

Assistant,  72,  128. 

Term  of  office  of,  24,  72,  128. 

To  superintend  the  publication 
of  the  Minutes  of  Assembly, 
72,  213. 

To  prepare  an  index  of  the  Min- 
utes, 213. 

Salary  of,  127,  128. 
Colleges,  aid  for,  150,  151. 

Day  of  prayer  for,  151. 

Memorial     of    Monmouth     and 
Westminster,  151. 
Colored  race  and  the  elective  fran- 
chise, 202. 
Colportage,  system  of,  250. 

Regulations  for,  250. 
Cooper  Memorial  College,  aid  for,  151. 
Commissioners  to  the  Assembly: 

Election  of,  72. 

Number  of,  173. 

Alternates  of,  174. 

Credentials  of,  23,  174. 

Form  of  credentials  of,  56. 

Expenses  of,  138. 

Not  to  absent  themselves,  174. 
Commissions  of  members  of  Assem- 
bly, 23,  56,  174. 
Commissions : 

Of  the  Assembly  in  cases  of  dis- 
cipline, 23. 

Overture  on,  128. 

Rules  and  regulations  of.  129. 

Appeals  from  decision  of,  198, 261. 

Cases  carried  to  a  higher  court 
from,  198,  261. 

Quarter-Centennial,  252. 

On  union  with  the  Associate  Re- 
formed Synod  of  the  South,  87. 

In  case  of  Rev.  J.  C.  Evans,  154. 

In  case  of  Rev.  C.  B.  Smyth,  285. 

With    Presbyterial     powers     for 
work  among  the  Freedmen,170. 
Committee  of  the  whole.  75. 
Committees,  permanent : 

On  Credentials,  75. 

On  Narrative  and  State  of  Re- 
ligion, 130. 


INDEX. 


359 


On  Sabbath-schools,  131,  269. 

On  Reform,  131. 

On  Reduced  Railroad  fare,  131. 

On  Ways  and  Means,  181. 

On  Young  People's  Work,  131. 

On  Old  Records,  338. 

Expenses  of,  132. 
Committees,  standiug : 

On  Appropriations,  83. 

On  Bills  and  Overtures,  73. 

On  the  Boards,  74. 

On  Correspondence,  74. 

On  Devotional  Exercises,  74. 

On  Finance,  74. 

On  Judiciary,  74. 

On  Narrative  and  State  of  Re- 
ligion, 74,  130. 

On  Nominations,  74. 

On  Revision,  74. 

On  Sabbath  Schools,  74. 

On  Statistics,  74. 

On  Systematic  Beneficence,  303. 

Reports  of,  75. 
Common  fame,  38,  39,  50. 
Communion  ;  Terms  of,  204,  314.  See 
Hill's   Case,    McCune's    Case, 
and  Secret  Societies. 

Deliverance  on  the  16th  Article 
of  the  Testimony,  314. 

Tenderness    towards    applicants 
for,  90,317. 
Complaints,  52. 

Definition  of,  39,  52. 

When  proper,  52. 

Effects  of,  52. 

Mode  of  procedure,  52,  198. 

Of  Rev.  J.  W.  Logue,  198. 

Against  decision   of  a   Commis- 
sion, 198. 
Confederation      of      Evangelical 

Churches,  132. 
Conference  :  On  the  Boards,  94. 

Of  Presbyterian  Churches,  224. 

Of  Psalm-singing  Churches,  244. 
Congregational  Charters,  98. 
Congregational  Singing,  91. 
Congregationalism,  17, 
Congregations,  25. 

Division  of,  25. 

Organization  of,  25. 

Property  of  disorganized,  92. 

Contributing,  296. 

Alphabetical  list  of,  296. 

Record  of  Organization  of,  296. 
Consolidation  of  the  Boards,  92,  185. 
Consensus    Creed    for    Presbyterian 

Churches,  225. 
Constitution   of   the  United  States, 

religious  amendment  to,  216. 
Constitutions  : 

Of  the  Boards,  92. 


Of  the  Board  of  Church  Exten- 
sion, 105. 

Of  the  Board  of  Education,  144. 

Of  the  Board   of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions, 159. 

Of  the  Board  of  Missions  to  the 
Freedmen,  168. 

Of  the  Board  of  Home  Missions, 
178. 

Of  the  Board  of  Ministerial  Re- 
lief, 208. 

Of  the  Board  of  Publication,  248. 

Of   the  Women's   General  Mis- 
sionary Society,  343. 
Contributions  : 

Made  through  Financial  Agents, 
156. 

Credited  to  the  Presbyteries,  156. 

Of  Sabbath-Schools,  276. 

Of  Missionary  Societies,  343. 

Weekly,  101. 

Special,  102. 

Proportionate,  102. 
Copy-right,  of  Jones'  Version,  244. 

Of  Bible  Songs  and  Psalter,  245. 
Correspondence,  Committee  on,  74. 
Corresponding  Churches,  132. 

Delegates  to,  133,  259. 

Expenses  of  delegates  to,  133. 
Corresponding     Secretaries    of    the 
Boards,  134. 

Election  and  term  of  office  of,  92, 
134. 

Rights  of,  in  the  Assembly,  93, 
134. 

Salary  of,  92,  278,  279. 

Vacancies  in  the  office  of,  93. 

Ex-officio  members  of  the  Boards, 
92,  134. 

To   visit   churches  and    Mission 
fields,  110. 

To  visit  Theological  Seminaries, 
190. 

On  giving  their  whole  time,  134. 
Council,  Presbyterian,  227. 
Counsel  in  actual  process,  41. 
Courts  of  the  Church,  19. 

Officers  of,  23. 

Transfer  of  cases  in,  49, 

Rights  of  lower  in  the  higher, 
49. 

Control  of  lower  by  the  higher, 
49. 
Covenanting,  67,  135. 
Credentials : 

Committee  on,  75. 

Of  Commissioners  to  Assembly, 
23,  174. 

Form  of,  56. 
Curriculum  of  Study  in  Theological 
Seminaries,  322. 


360 


DIGEST  OF  THE  ACTS  OF  THE  ASSEMBLY. 


Dancing,  79. 
Dawson's  appeals,  135. 
Deacons,  19,  136. 

Powers  and  duties  of,  19,  137. 
Election  of,  34. 

Ordination  and  installation  of,  35. 
Removing   to  another  congrega- 
tion, 36. 
Duties  of,  may  be  performed  by 

elders,  36. 
Should  hold  the  church  property, 

125. 
Resignation  of,  138. 
Not  essential  to  the  organization 
of  a  congregation,  137. 
Deaconesses,  137. 
Dead,  burial  of  the,  70. 
Debate  in  the  Assembly,  77. 
Deceased  ministers,  record  of,  211. 

Memorial  service  for,  211. 
Declinature,  52. 

Definition  of,  52. 
When  warrantable,  52. 
Eflfect  of,  53. 
Deeds  of  church  property,  98. 
Delegate  fund,  138. 
Delegates  to  the  Assembly.   See  Com- 
missioners to  the  Assembly. 
Delegates  t»Correspouding  Churches: 
Expenses  of,  133. 
Appointment     of,    discontinued, 

133. 
Exceptional  cases,  133. 
Depositories  of  the  Board  of  Publica- 
tion, 249. 
Deposition,  46. 

Advice    of   higher    court  to   be 

taken,  47. 
Announcement  of,  47. 
Form  of  a  sentence  of,  57. 
Desecration  of  the  Sabbath,  264. 
Determined  opposition   to  the  stan- 
dards of  the  church,  200,  316, 
317. 
Detroit  Presbytery,  transfer  of,  302. 
Devotional  Exercises,  committee  on, 

73. 
Digest  of  the  deliverances  of  the  As- 
sembly, 140. 
Directory  for  Worship,  59. 
Preparation  of,  141. 
Adoption  of,  143. 
Amendment  to,  143. 
Discipline : 

Definition  of,  87. 
Necessity  and  objects  of,  37. 
Ground  of,  37. 
Caution  to  be  exercised,  38. 
Subjects  of,  37. 
Discipline,    Book    of.     See   Book  of 
Government  and  Discipline. 


Dismissed   members  of  «he  church, 

53,  205. 
Dissent,  48. 

Definition  of,  48. 

Persons  entitled  to,  48. 

Reasons  for,  48. 

Right  to  record,  48. 
Distinctive  principles.     See  Principles 

of  the  Church. 
Division  of  the  Question,  77. 
Divorce : 

Grounds  of,  202. 

Legislation  on,  203. 

Overture  on.  refused,  203. 

Marriage    of    unscripturally    di- 
vorced persons  forbidden,  203. 
Dissolution  of  the  pastoral  relation,  34. 
Docket  of  the  Assembly,  70. 
Donaldson's  appeal,  141. 

Edict,  30. 

Form  of,  55. 
Education  : 

Endowment  of  academies,  151. 
National  aid  for,  151. 
Day  of  prayer  for  colleges,  151. 
Education,  Board  of,  143. 
Charter  of,  143. 
Constitution  of,  144. 
Regulations  of,  145. 
Aid  to  literary  students,  149. 
Aid  in  proportion  to  attendance, 

149. 
Married  beneficiaries  of,  150. 
Competitive   examination  of  the 

beneficiaries  of,  150. 
Beneficiaries   may    not     use     to- 
bacco, 150. 
Faculties  to  report  observance  of 

regulations,  150. 
Presbyterial  caie  of  beneficiaries 

of,  150. 
Beneficiaries  of,  to  be  reported  to 

Assembly,  150. 
Aid  to  academies  by,  150. 
Aid  to  colleges  by,  151. 
Institutions  to  report  to,  151. 
Salary  of  the  corresponding  sec- 
retary of,  278. 
Egypt,  minutes  of  the  Presbytery  of, 

214. 
Elders,  Ruling  : 

Powers  and  duties  of,  19. 
Election  of,  34. 

Ordination  and  installation  of,  85. 
Term  of  ofiice  of,  262. 
Resignation  of,  262. 
Resignation   of,   void   when   im- 
properly required,  263. 
Removing  to  another  congrega- 
tion, 36. 


INDEX. 


361 


In  ordination  of  ministers,  217, 

264. 
Kights  of,  pending  the  question 

of  title  to  the  office,  136, 
Training  of,  263. 
May  preside  in  the  moderation  of  i 

a  call;  220. 
May  be  released  without  petition, 

263. 
Inefficient  to  be  removed,  211. 
Unqualified  men  not  to  be  chosen 
as,  264. 
Elders,  Teaching : 

Powers,  names  and  duties  of,  19. 
Election  of,  29. 

Ordination  and  installation  of,  80. 
Inefficient  may  be  removed,  211. 
Rights    of,    in    Church    Courts, 
211. 
Elective  franchise,  152. 

To  be  extended  to  the   colored 
race,  152. 
Emancipation  of  slaves,  284. 
Enabling   act  of    Theological   Semi- 
naries, 320. 
Endowment  of  academies,  151. 
Episcopacy,  17. 
Evangelical  Alliance,  152. 
Evangelical   ohurches,  confederation 

of,  132. 
Evangelistic  work  among  the  Freed- 

men,  170. 
Evangelists  : 

Unlicensed   students   may   labor 

as,  152. 
Institute  for  training,  153. 
Training  of.  in  Theological  Semi- 
naries, 153. 
Evans,  Rev.  J.  C,  Appeal  of,  153. 
Evidence,  43. 

Of  witnesses,  43. 
Of  records  of  church  courts,  44. 
Of  writings  and  publications,  44. 
Taken  by  commissioners,  44. 
Positive,  44,  45. 
Circumstantial,  44. 
Second-hand,  45. 
To  be  recorded,  44. 
New  evidence  in  an  appeal,  45. 
Examination  : 

01  witnesses,  44. 

Of  beneficiaries,  of  the  Boaixi  of 

Education,  150. 
Of  theological  students,  325. 
Excommunication,  47. 

Form  of  sentence  and  restoration, 
57,  58. 

Faculties  to  report  on  beneficiaries  of 

the  Board  of  Education,  150. 
Family  instruction,  154. 


Visitation.     See  Pastoral  Visita- 
tion. 
Family  worship,  65,  154. 
Fasting,  66. 

Fasting,  marriage  not  to  be  solemn- 
ized on  days  of,  70. 
Federation  of  Christian  Churches,  132. 
Finance  : 

Standing  committee  on,  73,  74. 

Permanent  committee  on,  154. 

Standing  rule  on,  82,  154. 

Change  of  system  proposed,  155. 
Financial  Agent,  General,  157. 
Financial  Agents,  155. 

Blanks  for,  157. 

Election  of,  155. 

Duties  of,  155. 

Accounts  of,  to  be  audited,  156. 

To  acknowledge  all  receipts,  156. 

To  apportion,   the  funds   among 
the  congregations,  156. 

To  attend   meetings  of  Presby- 
tery, 156. 

To   report  delinquent  congrega- 
gations,  156. 

Contributions  to  be  made  through, 
156. 

Contributions  of  Missionary  So- 
cieties not  paid  to,  343. 

Credit  to  be  given  to  Presbyteries, 
156. 

Congregational  assistants  to,  157, 
304. 
Forbearance  in    Love    defined,    200, 

317. 
Forbearance  as  to  instrumental  music, 

125. 
Foreigners,  mission  work  among,  215. 
Foreign  Missions,  Board  of,  158. 

Charter  of,  158. 

Constitution  of,  159. 

Regulations  of,  159. 

A  manual  of  instructions,  161. 

Education  of  native  women,  164, 

Special  work,  165. 

Medical  work,  165. 

To  publish  a  monthly  periodical, 
166. 

To  report  expenses  in  detail,  166. 

Missionary  associations,  165. 

China  mission,  99. 

Syria  mission,  164. 

Mission  to  the  Upper  Nile,  166. 

Schools  in  Egypt,  163. 

Schools  in  India,  164. 

Polygamous  marriages,  202. 

Salary  of  the  Corresponding  Sec- 
retary of,  279. 

Salary  of  the  treasurer  of,  279. 

Gibson  trust  fund,  166.  ■^ 

Foreign  Missions,  consolidation  of,  99. 


362 


DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 


Foreign  missionai-ies: 

Children  of.  161,  162. 

Widows  of,  162. 

Outfit  of,  161. 

Return  of,  162, 

Salary  and  allowances  of,  161. 

Salary  of  returned,  162. 

Training  of  native,  163. 
Foreign  missionary  societies,  164. 
Foi'ras,  54. 

For  dismission  of  members,  54. 

For  application  for  the  modera- 
tion of  a  call,  54. 

Of  a  call  for  a  pastor,  54.  55. 

Of  an  act  of  licensure,  55. 

Of  an  edict,  55. 

Of  a  certificate  of  ordination,  55. 

Of  transfer  to  another  Presbytery, 
56. 

Of  a  commission  to  the  Assembly, 
56. 

Of  a  libel,  56. 

Of  a  citation.  56. 

Of  an  oath,  57. 

Of  a  sentence  of  suspension,  57. 

Of  a  sentence  of  deposition,  57. 

Of  a  sentence  of  excommunica- 
tion, 57. 

Ofnotice  of  excommunication,  58. 

Of  an  act  of  restoration,  58. 
Franchise,  elective,  152. 
Free  Masons,  281. 
Free  pews,  171. 
Freedmen,  Board  of  Missions  to,  167. 

Charter  of,  167. 

Constitution  of,  168. 

Regulations  of,  168. 

History  of,  168. 

Normal  school  of,  169. 

Industrial  schools  of,  170. 

Home  for  orphan  children,  170. 

Dormitories,  170. 

Students'  fund,  170, 

Evangelistic  work,  170. 

Consolidation     of,     with    other 
Boards,  93,  169. 

Salary   of   corresponding    secre- 
tary of,  279. 

Salary  of  treasurer  of,  280. 

Commission  to  license  and  ordain 
among  the  Freedmen,  170. 
Funds : 

Of  the  General  Assembly,  174. 

Of  the  Associate  Svnod,  84. 

Bible  and  Psalm-book,  246,  249. 

Delegate,  138. 

For  paying  all  the  expenses  of 
the  delegates,  139. 

Aged  ministers',  206. 
Widows'  and  orphans',  206. 

Sustentation,  301. 


Galley's  appeal,  171. 
General  Assembly,  22. 
Charter  of,  171. 
Appellate  power  of,  22,  174. 
Power   over   theological  semina- 
ries, 23,  319. 
Credentials  of  commissioners  to, 

23,  174. 
Form  of  credentials   of  commis- 
sioners to,  56. 
Alternates  of   commissioners  to, 

174. 
May    not   appoint  alternates  for 

commissioners  to,  174. 
Expenses   of    commissioners    to, 

138. 
Commissioners     not     to    absent 

themselves,  174. 
Judicial  commissions  of,  23,  129. 
Fund  of,  174. 
Power  of,  22. 

Power  of,  in  overtures,  23. 
Meetings  of,  23. 
Time  of  meeting  of,  173. 
Opening  of,  23,  72. 
Members  of,  22. 
Officers  of,  23,  72,  127. 
Quorum  of,  23,  73. 
Order  of  business  of,  75. 
Dissolution  of,  23,  78. 
Minutes  of,  213. 

Ratio  of  representation  in,  22, 173. 
Printing  and  stationery  for,  175. 
General   Committee    of    Home    Mis- 
sions.      See    Home    Missions, 
General  Committee  of. 
General  Financial  Agent,  157. 
General  Home  Missionaries,  187. 
Germans,  missionary  work  for,  215. 
Gibson  Trust  Fund,  166. 
God  in  the  Constitution,  216. 
Gordon's  appeal,  175. 
Government,  Book  of.     See  Book  of 

Government  and  Discipline. 
Government   of  the   chiirch,    tempo- 
rary arrangement  for,  96. 
Government,  necessity  for,  17. 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  282. 
Grangers,  282. 
Grant's  appeal,  175. 
Green's  appeal,  175. 

Hanna  fund,  the  Thomas,  109. 
Hill's  case,  175. 

History  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  337. 
A  committee  to  prepare  a,  337. 
Material  for,  to  be  collected  by  the 
Board  of  Publication,  249,  337. 
History  of  congregations,  presbyteries 
and  synods,  337. 


INDEX. 


363 


Historical  Society  : 

Presbyterian,  227,  338. 

United  Presbyterian.  339. 
Historical    record   of  congregations, 

339. 
Home  Missions,  Board  of.  177,  347. 

Constitution  of,  17S,  347. 

Charter  of,  177. 

Duties  and  powers  of,  350. 

Regulations  of,  179,  181,  350. 

Amendments  to   regulations  of, 
183. 

Regulations  for  Presbyteries,  179, 
347. 

Regulations  for  the  General  Com- 
mittee, 180,  349. 

Miscellaneous  regulations,  182. 

Consolidation     of,      with     other 
Boards.  93,  185. 

Re- arranging  the  work  of,  186. 

Sliding   scale   of  ajipropriations, 
184,  351. 

Special  missions.  183,  353. 

Relation      of      Presbyteries     to 
special  missions,  184,  353. 
•    Property  of  congregations  aided 
by,  185,  348. 

Church  building  a  condition  of 
aid,  190. 

Selection  of  fields  by,  188. 

Congregations  to  be  grouped  for 
settlement,  189,  348. 

Indian    work   of,    transferred^  to 
the  Woman's  Board,  191. 

Duties  of  the  corresponding  sec- 
retary, 190,  349,  351. 

Salary  of  the  corresponding  sec- 
retary of,  279. 

Treasurer  of,  to  give  bond,  350. 

Salary  of  the  treasurer  of,  279. 
Home  Missions,  General  Committee 
of.  178,  347. 

Regulations  of,  180.  349. 

Meeting  of,  180,  349. 

Delegate  from  Board  of  Church 
Extension  to,  190,  347. 

Election    of   delegates    to,    190, 
347. 
Home  Missionaries  : 

A  boarding  place  to  be  provided 
for,  186. 

Duties  of,  189. 

Disabled.  189. 

Per  diem  of,  188. 

Minimum  salarj'  of,  351. 

General,  187. 

Presbyterial,  187. 

Special,  352. 

Appointment  of  stated  supplies, 
188,  189,  351. 

Stated  supply  defined,  187,  350. 


Appointments  to  be  for  a  year, 
189,  351. 

Delinquent  to  be  reported,  190. 

Women  to  be  employed,  190. 

Appropriations  to  pastors,  189. 

Enrollment  of,  189,  351. 

Pastoral  visitation  defined,  189. 

Students  of  theology  as,  299. 

To  be  employed  and  remunerated 
by  Presbyteries,  179,  188. 
Hutchison's  appeal,  190. 
Hymns,  235,  344. 

Immersion,  baptism  by,  89. 

Imprint,     denominational    on    Bible 
Songs,  92. 

Index  of  the  Minutes  of  the  Assem- 
bly, 213. 

India,      alliance      of      Presbyterian 
Churches  in,  225. 
Union  of  Presbyterian  Churches 
in,  226. 

Indians,  missions  among,  190. 

Mission  to "  Warm  Springs.     See 
Warm  Springs  Indian  Mission. 

Industrial  schools  among  the  Freed- 
men,  170. 

Installation  of  elders  and  deacons,  34. 

Installation  of  pastors,  32. 

By  a  committee  of  Presbytery, 

In  peculiar  circumstances,  220. 
Form  of  edict  for,  55. 
Institute  of  Our  Young  People,  345. 
Constitution  of,  345. 
Relation    of,    to  the   Assembly, 
345. 
Instrumental  Church  music,  112, 
Law  on,  to  be  enforced,  112. 
Law  on,  repealed,  112-120. 
Interpretation  of  the  law  on,  120. 
Final  action  in  reference  to,  121. 
In  mission  stations,  123. 
Charity  and  forbearance  enjoined, 

125. 
Appeal   concerning.     See  Tate's 
appeal. 
Intemperance.     See  Temperance. 
International  arbitration,  221. 
International    Sabbath    Association, 

265,  267. 
International  Sabbath- school  lessons, 

274. 
Intoxicating     liquors,     manufacture 

and  sale  of,  305. 
Investment  of  legacies,  194,  329. 
Iowa,  organization  of  the  Synod  of, 
302. 

Jews,  misssions  among,  192. 
Jones'  version  of  the  Psalms,  244. 


364 


DIGEST    OF     THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 


Judicial  cases, 'transfer  of,  to  a  higher  I 
court,  49.  I 

Transfer  of,  from  a  commission 
to  a  higher  court,  130,  198,  261. 
Limit  of  time  in,  53. 
Judiciary,  committee  on,  73,  74. 
Junior  Order    of    United    American 

Mechanics,  283. 
Jurisdiction,  53. 

Over  dismissed  members,  53,  204. 

Over  dismissed  ministers,  53,  204. 

In  offences  not  known  before  the 

reception  of  the  member,  53. 

Kansas,  organization  of  the  Synod  of, 

303. 
Knights  of  Labor,  194,  283. 

Legal  decisions  on  Church  property, 

compend  of,  127. 
Legacies  : 

Permanent    investment    of,    194, 

329. 
General  rule  for  distribution  of, 
195. 
Libel : 

Relevancy  of,  40. 
Form  of,  50. 
Libraries  for  Sabbath  schools,  68,  275. 
License   for   sale   of  liquors,  wrong, 

310. 
Licensure  : 

Mode  of,  28. 
Trials  for,  28. 
Duration  of,  29. 
Certificate  of,  29. 
Form  of  act  of,  55. 
Uniformity  in,  197,  198. 
Change  of  time  of,  197. 
To  be  granted  only  at  the  end  of 
the  theological  course,  28,  196. 
To  be  reported  to  the  Assembly, 
196. 
Licentiates.     See  Probationers. 

Alphabetical  list  of,  296. 
Limitation  of  time,  27,  29,  53. 
Literary  institutions,  aid  for,  150. 
Literary  students,  aid  for,  149. 
Loan  Fund  of  the  Board  of  Church 
Extension,  107. 
Special,  108. 
Loans,  security  for,  to  the  Board  of 

Church  Extension,  108. 
Loans,    temporary,  to  the   Board  of 

Church  Extension,  108. 
Logue's  complaint,  198, 
Lord's  Supper,  63. 

Administration  of,  63. 
Place  of,  63. 
Persons  entitled  to,  63. 
Administrator  of,  63. 


Frequency  of,  63. 
Mode  of,  63.  64. 
Notice  of,  63. 

McCaughan's  appeals,  198. 

McCune's  case,  199. 

Mackey,  Will  of  Robert,  336. 

Mails  on  the  Sabbath,  236. 

Manses,  109,  201. 

Manual  of  Foreign  Missions,  161. 

For  Normal  classes,  273. 
Marriage:  69.201. 
Parties  in,  69. 
Ceremony  of,  69. 
Time  of,  70. 

With  a  deceased  wife's  niece,  201. 
With  a  deceased  wife's  sister,  203. 
With  a  deceased  wife's  relatives, 

202. 
Within  the  forbidden  degree,  69, 

201. 
With  irreligious  persons,  69,  201. 
With  unscripturally  divorced  per- 
sons, 203. 
Polygamous    converts,    not    re- 
ceived, 202. 
Married  beneficiaries  of  the  Board  of 

Education,  150. 
Mathews'  Memorial,  204. 
Medical  missionary  work,  165. 
Meetings,  regular  and  special : 
Of  the  Session,  20. 
Of  the  Presbytery,  21. 
Of  the  Synod,  22. 
Of  the  Assembly,  23. 
Members  of  the  Church,  18,  204, 
Admission  of,  18. 
Admitted  by  the  Session,  26. 
Care  in  the  admission  of,  26. 
Special  cases,  26. 
Terms  of  admission,  204. 
Tenderness  in  admitting,  90,  204. 
Discretion  to  be  exercised  in  re- 
ceiving, 26,  317. 
Required  to  adhere  to  the  stand- 
ards, 204,  315. 
Dismission  of,  27. 
Duty   of  Sessions  to  removing, 

205. 
Blank  certificates  for  dismission 

of,  205. 
Jurisdiction   of  courts   over  dis- 
missed, 53,  204. 
Names  of,  may  be  erased  in  cer- 
tain cases,  205. 
Unpaid  subscriptions  of,  205. 
Memorial,  limit  of,  205. 
Memorial  fund,   Quarter-Centennial, 

252. 
Memorial  service  for  deceased  minis- 
ters,  211. 


INDFX. 


365 


Quarter-Centennial,  255. 
Ministerial  Relief,  Board  of,  20G. 

Charter  of,  206. 

Constitution  of,  208. 

Regulations  of,  208. 

Conditions  of  grants,  207. 

Limitation  of  grants,  209. 

Presbyteries  to  aid,  20y. 

Endowment  fund  of,  209. 

Report  of,  209. 

Mutual  Aid  Association,  210. 
Ministerial  support,  301. 
Ministers,  19. 

Ordination  of,  30,  217. 

Installation  of,  32. 

Translation  of,  33. 

Release  of,  34. 

Increase  in  the  number  of,  210. 

From  other  churches,  210. 

Record  of  ordination  of,  211,  296. 

Deceased,  record  of,  211,  296. 

Deceased,  memorial  service  for, 
211. 

Dismissed,  jurisdiction  over,  53, 
204. 

Fund  for  aged,  206. 

Accused,  rights  of,  42. 

Without   charge,    rights   of,    20, 
173,  210,  211.  212. 

Disabled,  rights  of,  212. 

Supplying  in  vacancies.  210. 

Not  to  sanction  use  of  hymns  in 
worship,  235. 

Not  to  marry  unscripturally  di- 
vorced persons,  203. 

In  secular  pnnsuits,  211,  212. 

Inefficient  may  be  removed,  211. 

Worldly,  may  be  suspended,  212. 

Salary  of,  103,  279. 

Trial    of.     See   Process,    actual, 
against  ministers. 
Ministry,  withdrawal  from  the,  211. 
Minutes  of  the  Assembly,  213. 

To  be  published  under  the  super- 
vision of  tlie  clerks,  78,  213. 

To  be  published  by  the  Board  of 
Publication,  78,  213. 

Compensation  for  superintending 
publication  of,  213. 

Printed  copies  of,  made  official, 
213. 

Expense  of  binding  official  cop- 
ies of,  213. 

Gratuitous  copies  of,  213. 

Index  of,  213. 
Minutes  of  Presbyteries,  21. 

To  be  submitted  to  Synods,  21. 
Minutes  of  foreign  missionary  Pres- 
byteries, 214, 
Minutes  of  Sessions,  20. 
Minutes  of  Synods : 


To  be  submitted  to  the  Assem- 
bly, 22,  302. 

To  be  printed,  302. 
Mission  Sabbath- schools,  68,  276. 
Missionary  Associations  in  Egypt  and 

India.   165. 
Missionary  Piesbyteries,  214. 

Relation  to  the  Assembly,  214. 

Minutes  of  foreign,  214. 

Preservation  of  records  of,  215. 
Missionary    Societies,    Coutiibutions 
of,  343. 

Foreign.  165. 
Missionary  work   among   foreigners, 

215. 
Missionary  work,  special  foreign,  165. 
Mission  stations,  instrumental  music 

in,  123. 
Missions,  special  fund  for,  215. 
Moderator  : 

Of  the  Assembly,  23,  24,  72. 

Of  the  Presbyteiy,  23. 

Of  the  Session,  23. 

Of  the  Synod,  24. 

Power  of,  24. 

Appeal  from  decision  of,  78. 
Monmouth  College,  memorial  of,  151. 
Motions  in  the  Assembly,  76. 
Music  : 

In  the  church,  61,  111. 

For  Sabbath -schools.     See  Bible 
Songs. 

Instrumental,  112. 
Mutual   Aid   Association   for  Minis- 
ters, 210. 

Narrative  and  State  of  Religion  : 
Permanent  Committee  on,  130. 
Standing  Committee   on,   73,  74, 

130. 
Blanks  for,  131. 

National  Centennial,  98. 

National  Reform,  216. 

National  Sabbath  Association,  268. 

Nebraska,  organization  of  Svnod  of, 

303. 
Nominations,  committee  on,  73,  74. 
Normal   classes   in  Sabbath-schoois, 

273. 
Normal  class  manual,  273. 
Normal  school  for  Freedmeu,  169. 

Oath,  form  of,  57. 
Odd  Fellows,  281. 
Offences: 

Definition  of,  38. 

Personal,  38.    • 

Private,  38. 

General,  38. 

Charged,  but  not  proven,  41. 


866 


DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 


Acts  of  infirmity,  42. 
In  the  presence  of  the  court,  43. 
By  dismissed  members  and  min- 
isters, 53,  204. 
Offenders,  restoration  of,  47. 

Form  of  act  of  restoration,  58. 
Officers : 

Of  the  church,  18. 
Of  the  courts  of  the  cliurch,  23. 
Restoration  of,  48. 
Ohio,  organization  of  the  Synod  of, 

303. 
Old  records : 

To  be  secured  and  published,  337, 

338. 
Committee  on,  338. 
Where  to  be  deposited,  338. 
Of  Associate  and  Associate  Re- 
formed Presbyteries  and  Syn- 
ods, 338. 
Order  of  business  in  the  Assembly,  75. 
Order  of  the  day,  76. 
Ordination  by  a  commission,  170. 
Ordination  of  elders  and  deacons,  26, 
34. 
To  be  reported  to  Presbytery,  26, 

36. 
Record  of,  36. 
Ordination  of  elders  who  use  tobacco, 

327. 
Ordination  of  ministers,  30,  217. 
Trials  and  examination  for,  30. 
Edict  for,  30. 
Form  of  edict  for,  55. 
Questions  for,  31. 
Ceremony  of,  32. 
"Without  installation,  32. 
Record  of,  211,  296. 
Certificate  of,  55. 
May  be  annulled,  212. 
Laying  on  of  hands  by  elders  in, 
217. 
Oregon,  presbytery  of,  218. 
Oregon,  United  Presbyterian  Church 

of,  339. 
Organization  of  Associate  and  Asso- 
ciate   Reformed     Presbyteries 
and  Synods,  record  of,  339. 
Organization  of  congregations,  25. 
To   be   eftected   with    prudence, 

263,  264. 
Record  of,  296. 
Our  Young  People,  345. 
Institute  for,  345. 
Contributions  of,  346. 
Outfit  of  foreign  missionaries,  161. 
Overtures,  23. 

To  be  transmitted  only  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote,  218. 
"Clear  majority,"  definition  of, 
218. 


The  moral  right  to  change  the 
standards  by.  219. 

On  the  rights  of  members  of  the 
lower  courts  in  appeals,  80. 

On  papal  baptism,  89. 

On  consolidation  of  certain 
Boards,  93,  186. 

On  the  trial  exercises  of  stu- 
dents, 97,  197. 

On  the  time  of  licensure  of  stu- 
dents, 97,  197. 

On  the  Book  of  Government  and 
Discipline.  96,  97. 

On  instrumental  music,  112,  113. 

On  union  with  tiie  Associate  Re- 
formed Synod  of  the  South,  88. 

On  a  chapter  on  commissions, 
128. 

On  a  delegate  fund,  139. 

On  the  corresponding  secretary 
of  the  Board  of  Home  Mis- 
sions, 134. 

On  the  Directory  for  Worship, 
142,  143. 

On  a  general  financial  agent,  157. 

On  appellate  power  to  the  As- 
sembly, 174. 

On  changes  in  the  Home  Mission 
work,  186,  187. 

On  marriage  with  a  deceased 
wife's  relatives,  202. 

On  ministers  from  other  churches, 
210. 

On  the  law  of  oveitures,  218. 

On  new  and  amended  version  of 
the  Psalm.s,  236-243. 

On  biennial  meetings  of  the  Synod 
of  the  Pacific,  303. 

On  the  Assembly's  power  over 
theological  seminaries,  S20. 

On  licensing  and  ordaining  stu- 
dents who  use  tobacco,  326. 

On  ordaining  elders  elect  who 
use  tobacco,  327. 

Pacific,  organization  of  the  Synod  of, 
303. 

Biennial  meetings  of  tho  Synod 
of,  303. 
Papal  baptism.  89. 

Paper,  a  weekly  Sabbath-school,  277. 
Paraphrases,  235. 
Parties  in  a  trial,  39. 
Parsonage  fund,  109. 

Regulations  of,  110. 

Assigned  to  the  Women's  Board, 
110. 
Parsonages,  109,  201. 
"  Pastoral  charge,"  definition  of,  220, 
Pastoral  relation,  dissolution  of,  34. 
Pastoral  visitation,  68,  70. 


INDEX. 


367 


Explained,  189. 
Pastors : 

Election  of,  29. 

Voters  for,  29. 

Ordination  of,  30. 

Installation  of,  32. 

Call  and  installation  of,  in  pecu- 
liar cases,  220. 

Translation  of,  33. 

Release  of,  34. 

Presbyterial  oversight  of  salaries 
of,   221. 

Home  missionary  appropriations 
to,  189. 

Salary  of,  221,  279. 

Duties  of,  to  the  Boards,  95. 

Duties  of,   on  Christian    giving, 
103. 

Duties  of,   on  the  elective  fran- 
chise, 152. 

Duties  of,  on  Christian  Sabbath, 
265. 
Patrons  of  Husbandry,  282. 
Patterson's  appeal,  221. 
Peace,  221. 

Per  diem  of  Home  Missionaries,  188. 
Permanent    committees.     See    Com- 
mittees, permanent. 
Permanent  funds,  investment  of,  329. 
Pew  rents,  171,  205. 
Pittsburgh,  orgacization  of  Synod  of, 

303. 
Polygamous  marriages   among  con- 
verts, 202. 
Praise  in  public  worship,  fiO. 

Acts  of  worship  in,  defined,  344. 
Prayer,  day  of  special,  221. 
Prayer  in  public  worship,  61. 
Prayer  meetings,  65. 
Preaching  the  Word  in  public  wor- 
ship, 61. 
Presbyterian  Centenary,  225. 
Presbyterian  Church,  union  with,  223. 
Presbyterian  churches,  union  of,  222. 

A  conference  of,  224. 

A  consensus  creed  for,  225. 
Presbyterian  Churches  in  India  : 

Alliance  of,  225. 

Union  of,  226. 
Presbyterian  Council,  227. 

Expenses  of,  229. 

Withdrawal  from.  229. 

Renewal  of  relations  with,  230. 
Presbyterian  Historical  Society,  227. 
Presbyterianism,  17. 
Presbyteries  : 

Mis-  ionary,  214. 

Reports  of,  130,  260. 

Minutes  of  missionary,  214. 

To    give    attention  to    Sabbath- 
schools,  270. 


To  have  care  over  theological 
students,  28,  150. 

To  have  supervision  of  salaries  of 
pastors,  221. 

To  supervise  the  building  of 
churches,  109. 

To  look  after  the  property  of  ex- 
tinct churches,  109. 

To  recommend  only  congrega- 
tions faithful  to  the  principles 
of  the  church,  95,  232. 

To  appoint  committee  on  Church 
Extension,  110. 
Presbyters  may  propose  a  change  in 
in  the  standards  of  the  church, 
232. 
Presbytery,  the,  20. 

Members  of,  20,  21,  210,  231. 

Authority  of,  20. 

Constitution  of,  231. 

Duties  of,  21 . 

Meetings  of,  21. 

Officers  of,  23. 

Records  and  reports  of,  21. 

Opening  and  closing  exercises  of, 
21. 

Quorum  of,  21. 

Power  over  special  missions,  184. 
Previous  question,  76. 
Principal  clerk  of  the  Assembly  : 

Election  of,  72. 

Term  of  office  of,  72. 

Duties  of,  73. 

Salary  of,  127. 

Treasurer  of  the  Assembly  pro 
tem.,  327. 
Principles  of  the  United  Presbyterian 
Church,  231. 

To  be  maintained,  231. 

Presbyteries  to  report  on  observ- 
ance of,  232. 

Congregations  ignoring,  not  to  be 
aided,  95,  232. 

Boards  do  not  have  supervision  of, 
232. 

Tracts  on  to  be  published,  251. 

May  be  changed  by  overture,  232, 

A  summary  of,  293. 
Printing,  &c.,  for  the  Assembly,  175. 
Privileged  questions,  76. 
Prizes  for  original  works,  250. 
Probationers,  28. 

Licensure  of,  28. 

Subject  to  Presbytery,  29. 

Excused  from  appointments,  198. 

Limitation  of  time,  29. 
Process,  actuals,  39. 

Informer,  39. 

Prosecutor,  39. 

Form  of  charges,  39. 

Parties,  39. 


368 


DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 


Responsibility  of  an  accuser,  39. 

Preliminary  steps,  39,  40. 

Notice  to  the  parties,  4u. 

Citations,  40. 

Form  of  citations,  56. 

Specifications,  40. 

Admissibility  of  charges,  40. 

Relevancy  of  libel,  40. 

Examination  of  witnesses,  40. 

Parties     heard     and     judgment 
given,  41. 

Records  and  copies,  41. 

Publication  and  sentence,  41. 

Tempoi'ary  susjjension,  41. 

Offences  not  charged  but  proved, 
41. 

Testimony  to  be  recorded,  41. 

Counsel,  41. 

When  not  necessary,  43. 

Evidence  in,  43. 

Sentences,  45. 

Censures.  45. 

Restoration  of  offenders,  47. 

Limitation  of  time.  53. 

To  be  allowed  but  once,  53. 
Process,  actual,  against  ministers,  41. 

Preliminary  steps,  39,  42. 

Method  of  procedure.  42. 

Must  be  before  his  own  Presby- 
tery, 42. 

Duty  of  interested  Presbyteries, 
42. 

Accuser,  42. 

Acts  of  infirmity,  42. 

Contumacy,  42. 

Rights  of  an  accused  minister,  42. 

"When  not  necessary,  43. 

Evidence  in,  43. 

Sentences,  45. 

Censures,  45. 

Restoration  of  offenders,  47. 

Limitation  of  time,  53. 

To  be  allowed  but  once,  53. 
Professors  in  theological  seminaries, 

confirmation  of,  325. 
Prohibition,  309. 

Property,  tenure  of  Church,  98-9. 
Prosecutor  in  cases  of  process,  39. 
Protest,  48. 

Definition  of,  48. 

Reasons  for,  49. 

Persons  entitled,  48. 

When  made,  48. 

When  admitted,  48. 

Right  to  record,  49. 

Reasons  and  answers,  49. 

What  it  implies,  49. 

In  court  of  last  resort,  49. 
Provisional  Sessions,  233. 

When  appointed,  233. 

Powers  of,  234. 


Not  represented    in  Presbytery, 
235. 

Records  of,  235. 
Psalm-book  fund,  246,  249. 
Psalmody,    interpretation  of  law  of, 

235. 
Psalmody  alliance  proposed,  244. 
Psalms: 

Book  of,  to  be  used.  60,  235. 

Manner  of  singing,  61,  111. 

Amended  version  of,  236. 

New  version  of,  238. 

History  of  new  version  of,  243. 

Prof.  A.  Jones'  version  of,  244. 

Introduction  of  new  and  amended 
versicns  of,  243. 

Selections  from,  to  be  published, 
243. 

Copyright  of  new  version,  244. 

Conference  of  churches  using  the, 
244. 

An     alliance     of   jPsalm-singing 
churches  proposed,  244. 
Psalter,  the,  245. 

Revision  of,  245. 

Copyright  of,  245. 

Denominational  imprint  on,  245. 
Publication,  Biard  of,  /i46. 

Obiect  of.  246. 

Charter  of,  246. 

Amendments  to  charter  of,  246, 
248. 

Constitution  of,  248. 

Regulations  of,  248. 

Business  manager,  248. 

To  collect  materials  for  a  history 
of  the  church.  249. 

To  establish  a  Bible  and  Psalm- 
book  fund,  246,  249. 

To  establish  depositories,  249. 

To  keep  for  sale  books  exposing 
Romanism,  260. 

To  make  donations  to  weak  Sab- 
bath-schools, 250. 

To  offer  prizes  for  original  manu- 
scripts, 250. 

To  pay  for  suitable  manuscripts, 
250. 

To   publish   the   minutes  of  the 
Assembly,  78.  213. 

To  publish  registers,  &c.,  250. 

To  establish  a  system  of  colpor- 
tage.  250. 

To  publish   tracts  on   principles 
and  work  of  the  church,  251. 

To  publish  temperance  literature, 
252. 

To  publish   selections  from  the 
Psalms,  243. 

To  secure  aud  publish  old  records, 
337. 


369 


Authorized  to  purchase  Sabbath- 
school  publications,  250. 

Permanent  committee  on  Sab- 
bath-schools, consolidated  with, 
251. 

Statistics  of  contributions  to,  252. 
Public  Schools,  Bible  in,  90,  98. 

Temperance  instruction  in,  311. 

Quarter-centennial   Commission  : 

Incorporated,  252. 

A  memorial  fund.  252. 

Distribution  of,  253. 

Amount  raised,  254. 

Final  settlement,  255. 

A  memorial  service,  255. 

Expenses  of,  254. 
Questions  not  debatable,  77. 
Quorum  : 

Of  the  Assembly,  23,  73. 

Of  the  Presbytery,  21, 

Of  the  Session,  20. 

Of  the  Synod,  22. 
Quota,  definition  of,  255. 

Ratio  of  Representation  in   the    As- 
sembly, 22,  173. 
Reading-  sermons,  62,  257. 
Rebellion,  the  civil  ; 

The  result  of  slavery,  284. 

Resolutions   on   the  state  of  the 
country  during  the,  294. 
Rebuke,  40. 

Reconsideration  of  motions,  77. 
Record    of    Associate    and    Associate 
Reformed  organizations,  838. 

Of  congregations,  2f7. 

Of  orgauizaiions,  290. 

Of  organizations,  histtu  ical,  339. 
Records : 

01  the  Assemblv.  24,  213. 

Of  Presbyteries,  21. 

Of  Sessions,  20. 

Of  Synods,  21,  302. 

To  be  reviewed  by  a  higher  court, 
51. 

Of  Associate  and  Associate  Re- 
formed Churches,  338. 
Reduced    railroad    fare,     Permanent 

committee  on,  131. 
Reed,  Estate  of  William,  255. 
References,  50. 

Definition  of.  50. 

Subjects  of,  50. 

Object  of,  50. 

Effects  of,  50. 

Duties  of  a  superior  court  in,  50. 

Notice  of,  50. 

Evidence  for  superinr  court,  50. 
Reform,  National,  216. 
Reform  movements,  257 

24 


Reform,    Permanent   committee    on, 

131. 
Reform,  Sabbath.     See  Sabbath. 
Reformed  Presbvterian  Church,  Gen- 
eral Synod  of,  257. 
Union  with,  257. 
Reformed      Presbyterian       Church, 
Synod  of,  258. 
Union  with,  258. 
Delegate  to,  259. 
Reformed  Presbyterian  Churches,  un- 
ion with,  260. 
Registers  to  be  published  by  the  Board 

of  Publication,  250. 
Regulations  of  the  Boards  : 
Of  Church  Extension,  105. 
Of  Education,  145. 
Of  Foreign  Missions,  159. 
Of    Missions    to  the   Freedmen, 

168. 
Of  Home  Missions,  179,  183,  347- 

353 
Of  Ministerial  Relief,  208. 
Of  Publication,  248. 
Repeating  tunes.  111. 
Reports  of  the  Boards  to  be  printed, 

94,  328. 
Reports  of  Presbyteries,  260. 
Time  of  forwarding,  260. 
To  be  omitted  in  the  Minutes  of 
I  the  Assembly,  260. 

I  Blanks  for,  260. 

I  Reports    of    the    treasui-ers    of    the 
I  Boards : 

To  be  audited,  95,  328. 
I  A   classified   summary   of,  to   be 

I  printed.  94,  328. 

I  Representation  in  the  Assembly  ; 
Ratio  of,  22,  173. 
Basis  of,  173. 
Resignation  :  Of  Deacons,  138. 
Of  Elders,  263. 

May  be  declared  void,  135,  263. 
Restoration  of  offenders,  47. 
Of  officers,  48. 
Form  of  act  of,  58, 
Review  and  control.  49. 

Duty  of  the  higher  court,  49. 
Matters  of,  49. 
Mode  of,  50. 

Irregularities  corrected,  50. 
Decisions  reversed,  50. 
On  common  fame,  50. 
Courts   reviewing  their  own  de- 
cisions, 50. 
Revision,  committee  on,  73. 
Romanism,  260. 
Roseburg's  appeal,  261. 
Rules  of  order,  72. 

Amendments  to,  261. 
How  amended,  78. 


370 


DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 


In  lower  courts,  78. 
Ruling  Elrfers.     See  Elders,  Ruling. 

Sabbath : 

Sanctification  of,  59. 

Desecration  of,  264. 

Duty  of  the  Government  to,  98. 

Marriage  not  to  be  solemnized  on, 
70. 

Funerals  not  to  take  place  on, 
71. 

Discipline  to  be  exercised  for 
desecration  of,  264. 

Unnecessary  travel  on,  264. 

The  Church  and  Sabbath  reform, 
265. 

Temperance  meetings  on,  312. 

Opening  the  centennial  grounds 
on,  266, 

Closing  the  Philadelphia  Perma- 
nent Exhibition  on,  266. 

Opening  of  the  Columbian  Ex- 
position on,  266. 

Mails  on,  266. 

Sabbath  papers,  266. 

Co-operation  with  other  bodies 
for  the,  267. 

Petitions  against  desecration  of, 
267. 

Pastors  and  supplies  to  jneach 
on,  265. 

Duty  of  Christians  in  regard  to, 
265. 
Sabbath  Associations  ; 

American  Union,  268. 

International,  265,  267. 

National,  268. 
Sabbath-schools  : 

Standing  committee  on,  74,  269. 

Permanent  committee  of,  131,  269, 

Permanent  committee  consoli- 
dated with  the  Board  of  Pub- 
lication, 251. 

To  be  under  the  control  of  Ses- 
sions, 67,  270. 

Presbyteries  to  give  attention  to, 
270. 

Presbyterial  superintendents  of, 
271. 

Synods  to  give  attent'ou  to,  270. 

Superintendent  of,  67. 

Teachers  in,  68,  272. 

Teachers'  meeting  in,  68,  272. 

Order  of  exercises  in,  68. 

Adult  classes  in,  272. 

Normal  classes  in,  273. 

Manual  for  normal  classes,  273. 

Lesson  papers  for,  274. 

Uniform  lessons  in,  274. 

Scriptures  in,  68,  273. 

Temperance  lessons  for,  312. 


Shorter  Catechism  in,  68.  273. 
Books  and  papers  for,  68,  275. 
Weekly  paper  for,  277. 
Publications    for,   purchased   by 

Board  of  Publication,  250. 
Contributions  of,  276. 
Special  objects  for  contributions 

of,  277. 
]\Iissionary  day  in,  277. 
Contributions  of,  on  Missionary 

day,  277. 
Congregations  to  provide  funds 

for,  275. 
Day  of  prayer  for,  277. 
Students  to  be  trained  for  work 

in,  300. 
Donations  to  weak,  250. 
Preaching  to,  274. 
Statistics  of,  269. 
To  be  kept  open  all  the  year,  276. 
Mission,  68,  276. 
Music  for.     See  Bible  Songs. 
Sacraments.      See   Baptism   and  the 

Lord's  Supper. 
Salaries : 

Of   oflScers  of    Assembly,  corre- 
sponding secretaries,  &c.,  pay- 
ment of,  278. 
Of  the  Clerks  of  the  Assembly, 

127,  128. 
Of  the  corresponding  secretaries 

of  the  Boards,  278,  279. 
Of  foreign  missionaries,  161. 
Of  returned  foreign  missionaries, 

161. 
Of  home  missionaries.  188,  351. 
Of  ministers,  103,  279. 
Of  the  treasurers  of  the  Boards, 

279. 
San  Fi-ancisco  Presbytery,  280. 
Scandal.     See  Oflfences. 
Schools,  Bible  in  the  public,  90,  98. 
Temperance  in  the  public,  311. 
Scriptures,  reading  of,  60. 
Second  Clerk  of  the  Assembly : 
Election  of,  72,  128. 
Term  of  office  of,  72. 
Expiration  of  the  term  of  office 

of,  128. 
Duties  of,  73,  127,  128. 
Salary  of,  128. 
Secret  Societies.  280. 

PoRition  of  the  Church  defined, 

280. 
Duty  of  pastors  and  sessions,  280. 
Freemasons   and    Odd    Fellows, 

281. 
Grand    Army    of  the   Republic, 

282. 
Junior  Order  of  United  American 

Mechanics.  283. 


INDEX. 


371 


Knights  of  Labor,  194,  283. 
Patrons  of  Husbandry,  282. 
Union  Leagues,  282. 
Secret  worship,  65. 
Secretaries  of  the  Boards.     See  cor- 
responding  secretaries   of   the 
Boards. 
Securities  to  be  given  to  the  Board 
of  Church  Extension,  106,  107. 
Selections  from  the  Psalms,  90,  243. 
Sentences : 

Definition  of,  45. 
In  proportion  to  offences,  45. 
Execution  of,  45. 
Publication  of,  41,  46. 
Sermons  : 

In  public  worship,  61. 
Reading  of,  62,  257. 
To  Sabijath-schoul  scholars.  274. 
Session,  the,  19. 

Members  of,  19. 

Authority  of,  20,  26. 

Moderator  of,  20. 

Duties  of,  20. 

Officers  of,  23. 

Records  of.  20. 

When  rightly  constituted,  20. 

How  convened,  20. 

Quorum  of,  20. 

To  meet  for  prayer,  65. 

To  exercise  a  wise  discretion  in 

receiving  members,  26,  317. 
To    have    jurisdiction    over   dis- 
missed members,  53,  204. 
To    adopt   plans   for    systematic 

giving,  103. 
To    supply  the    pulpit    through 

Presbytery,  210. 
To  have  control  of  church  music, 

111. 
To  have  control  of  church  prop- 
erty, 126,  264. 
To    have    control    of      Sabbath- 
schools,  67,  270. 
To  discipline  for  failure  in  benefi- 
cence, 69. 
Duties  of,  to  the  Boards,  95. 
Relation  of  trustees  to,  126. 
Sessions,  provisional,  see  Provisional 

Sessions. 
Shorter  catechism  in  Sabbath-schools, 

68,  273. 
Sialkot,    minutes   of   Presbytery   of, 

214. 
Sick,  pastoral  visitation  of,  70. 
Singing  of  praise,  60. 
Slavery ;    the  rebellion   a   result    of, 

284. 
Slaves,  emancipation  of,  284. 

Use  of  money  received  from  sale 
of,  285. 


Sliding  scale  in  Home  Missions,  184, 

351. 
Smyth's  appeal,  285. 
Societies  : 

Presbyterian  Historical,  227,  338. 
United    Presbyterian    Historical, 

339. 
Secret,  280. 

Women's  Mis.sionary,  343. 
Special  Home  missionaries,  352. 
Special  missions,  183. 

Relation  of  the  Presbytery  to,  184. 
Speers'  estate,  84,  285. 
History  of,  285. 
Distribution  of,  291. 
Standards  of  the  Church,  293. 

Integrity  of,  to  be  preserved,  293. 
Summary  of,  to  be  prepared,  293. 
I\Iay  be  changed  by  overture,  95. 
Moral  right  to  propose  a  change, 

219. 
Adherence  to,  required  of  mem- 
bers, 315. 
Standing  committee.      See  Commit- 
tees, standing. 
State  of   the  countiy  during  the  re- 
bellion, 294. 
Stated  supply  defined,  187,  350. 

Rule    for    appointment   of,    188, 

349-50. 
A   condition    of    appropriations, 
349. 
Stationery,     printing,    etc.,     for    the 

Assembly,  175. 
Statistical  year,  close  of,  298. 
Statistics  : 

Blanks  for,  297. 

Committee  on,  74. 

Items  to  be  reported  for.  295. 

Of  Sabbath  school.-,  269. 

Under    the    care   of    the   second 

clerk,  73,  128,  297. 
Of    contributions    to    Board    of 

Publication,  252. 
Of    congregations    contributing, 

296. 
A  list  of  new  organizations,  296. 
A  record  of  congregations,  297. 
xV  record  of  ordinations,  211,  296. 
Record    of    deceased    ministers, 

211,  296. 
Vital,  297. 
Summaries  of,  298. 
Of  Foreign  Missions,  298. 
Time  of  forwarding,  297. 
Of  church  property,  298. 
Students,  298. 

To  attend    the    colleges  of   the 

church,  298. 
Undergraduates  not  to  enter  the 
theological  seminaries,  299. 


372 


DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 


Aid  for,  149. 

Theolojrical.       8ee      Theological 
students. 
Subscriptions  of  church  members  un- 
paid, 205. 
Substitutes  for  motions,  77. 
Summary   of  the    principles   of    the 

church,  293. 
Superintendents  of  Sabbath-schools, 
68. 

Presbyterial,  271. 
Superintendents  of  missions,  180,  300, 
348. 

Election  of,  180,  300,  348. 

Duties  of,  ISO,  3U0,  348. 

Accounts  of,  to  be  audited,  301, 
348. 

Agents  of  the  Board  of  Chnrch 
Extension,  108. 
Suspension,  46. 

Temporary,  47. 

Form  of  sentence  of,  57. 

Announcement  of,  46. 

Duration  of,  46. 
Sustentation  fund,  301. 
Synod,  the,  21. 

Members  of,  22. 

Authority  of,  22. 

Duties  of,  22. 

Meetings  of,  22. 

Officers  of,  23. 

Opening  and  closing  exercises  of, 
22. 

Records  and  reports  of,  22,  302. 

Attendance  of  members  of,  302. 

Quorum  of,  22. 
Synods,  302. 

Biennial  meetings  of,  303. 

To    give    attention   to   Sabbath- 
schools,  270. 

Organized,  302. 

Change  of  boundaries  of,  303. 

Transfer    of    theological    semin- 
aries from,  to  Assembly,  320. 
Syria  mission,  164. 
Systematic  beneficence,  69,  303. 

Measure  of,  69,  101,  304. 

Instruction  in,  69,  102. 

Discipline  for  failure  in,  69. 

Committee  on,  303. 

Plan  for,  304. 


Tarkio  college,  aid  for,  151. 

Tate's  appeal,  305. 

Teachers  in  Sabbath- schools  : 

Meetings  of,  68,  272. 

To  be  members  of  the   church, 
68,  272. 

Training  of,  273. 
Temperance,  305. 


Dutv  of  the  church  in  behalf  of, 

308. 
Duty  of  Christians,  306. 
Manufacture  and  sale  of  intoxi- 
cating drinks,  305. 
Total  abstinence,  307. 
Union  of  churches   to   promote, 

312. 
Prohibition,  309. 
License  for  sale  of  liquors  wrong, 

310. 
Meetings  on  the  Sabbath,  312. 
Unfermentcd  wine  at  the  Lord's 

Supper,  312. 
Day  for,  in  week  of  prayer,  312. 
In    International  Sabbath-school 

lessons,  312. 
Literature,  252. 

Instruction  in  public  schools,  311. 
Women's  movement  in  behalf  of, 

314. 
Women's  Temperance  Christian 

Union,  314. 
Centennial,  313. 

Congress,  American,  delegates  to, 
313. 
Terms  of  communion,  314. 

Deliverance  on  the  XVIth  Art. 

of  the  Testimony,  314. 
Adherence  to  the  standaids,  315. 
May  be  changed,  318. 
Testimony.     See  Evidence  and  Wit- 
nesses. 
Testimony,    deliverance   on  the  16th 

Article  of  the,  314. 
Thank -oiferings,  102. 
Thanksgiving,  66. 

Proclamation  for,  319. 
Theatrical  exhibitions,  79. 
Theological  seminaries  : 

Under  the  care  of  the  Assembly, 

23.  319. 
Enabling  act  of,  320. 
Proposed  statutes  for.  322. 
Consolidation  of,  322. 
Transfer  of.  to  Assembly,  320, 
Curriculum  of  study  in,  322. 
'I'erms  of  study  in,  28,  324. 
Examination  of  students  in,  325. 
Undergraduates    not    to    be   ad 

mitted  to,  299. 
Confirmation     of    professors    in, 

325. 
To  provide    for   the   training   of 
elders,  263. 
Theological  students,  298. 
Care  in  admission  of,  27. 
To  be  under  the  care  of  a  Pres- 
bytery, 28,  299. 
Examination  of,   to   be  written, 
325. 


373 


Specimens  of  j^rogress.  28. 
Uuliceiised  as  evan<;elists.  152. 
Tiainin<;i:      of,     I'or     cvan<:;flistii; 

work,  loo. 
To  be  trained  for  Sabballi-scliool 

work,  300. 
Licensure  of.  28.  197. 
Uniformity  in  licensnre,  19G. 
Not  lo  be  licensed  till  the  end  of 

tbeolo<rical  course,  2S.  19(3. 
Qualifications  of.  27. 
Unlicensed   should    not    preach, 

299. 
Trial  exercises  of.  28,  197. 
May  be  employed  in  missionary 

labor,  299. 
Tithes,  101,  304,  305. 
Title  to  church  property,  98,  99,  12C. 
Tobacco  : 

Use  (  f  condemned,  325. 
Beneficiaries  of  Board  of  Educu 

tioii  may  not  use,  150. 
Overture   on    licensing    students 

who  use.  32G. 
Overture    on    ordaining     elders- 
elect  who  use.  327. 
Total  abstinence,  202. 
Tracts,  publication  of,  24G,  252. 
Transfer  of  judicial  cases  to  a  highci- 

court,  49. 
Uses  of,  49. 
Modes  of,  49. 
Eeview  and  contiol,  49. 
References.  50. 
Appeals,  51. 
Complaints.  49,  52. 
Declinatuie,  49,  52. 
Rights  of  an  inferior  court,  49,  80. 
Translation  of  pastors,  33. 

Form  of,  56. 
Treasurer  of  the  Assembly: 
Duties  of,  327. 

Expenses  of,  to  be  paid,  279. 
Pro   tern.,    the   Principal    Clerk, 

327. 
Treasuier,  general.  157. 
Treasurers  of  the  Boards: 
Election  of.  93.  ;i27. 
Duties  of,  9:).  327. 
To     keep     their    accounts    with 

Presbyteries,  327. 
To  publish  their  receipts.  328. 
Reports  of,  to  Assembly,  328. 
A  classified  repoit  of,  for  Minutes 

of  the  Assembly.  94.  328. 
To  give  itemized  re])orts.  94,  328. 
To  give  names  of  contributors.  94. 
Reports  of,  to  be  audited.  95,  328, 

351. 
To  keep  bequests  invested,  329. 
Salaries  of,  279. 


Treasurers  of  church  courts.  23. 
Trial,  but  one  for  the  same  ofience,  53. 
Trial  exercises  of  theological  students, 

28,  97. 
Trust,  declaration  of.  12G. 

A  condition  of  aid   to   missions, 
107,  127.  348. 
Trustees  of  the  Assembly,  329. 
Act  of  incor])oration  of,  171. 
Duties  of,  329. 

To  defend   title  to  church  prop- 
erty, 330. 
To  protect  claims  of  the  Board  of 
Church  Extension,  330. 
Trustees  of  congregations.  329. 

May  hold  church  property.   12G, 

329. 
Relation  of,  to  the  Session,   12G, 

329. 
Must  be  members  of  the  church, 
12G,  329. 
Tunes,  repeating,  111. 

Unfermented  wine  at  the  communion, 

?12. 
Uniform     lessons    in     the     -Sabbath- 
school,  274. 
International.  274. 
Temperance  in  International,  312. 
Uni«m  : 

Of  the  Associate  and  Associate 

Reformed  Churches,  330. 
With    the    Associate    Reformed 

Synod  of  the  South,  SG. 
With    the  Presbyterian    Church, 

223. 
Of  Presbyterian  Churches,  222. 
Of     Presbyterian     Churches    in 

India,  22  .. 
With  the  General  Synod  of  the  Re- 
formed   Presbyterian    Church, 
257. 
■  With  the  Synod  of  the  Reformed 

Piesbyterian  Church.  258. 
1  Of  the    Reformed    Presbyterian 

I  Churches,  2G0. 

I  Union  Christian  Commission,  83. 
I  Union  Leagues,  282. 
I  United  Presbyterian  Church  : 
Organization  of.  334.  33G. 
Proceedings   preliminary    to   or- 
j  ganization  of,  330. 

j  Identity  of,  with  the   antecedent 

churches,  33G. 
I  Principles  ol.  281. 

History  of.  to  be  prepared,  337. 
Materials  for  a  history  of,  to  be 

collected,  249. 
Historical  Society  of,  339. 
United  Presbyterian  Church  of  Ore- 
gon, 339. 


374 


DIGEST    OF    THE    ACTS    OF    THE    ASSEMBLY. 


Tacancies   to    be    supplied    through 

Presbyteries,  210. 
Vacancies  in  tlie  office  of  correspond- 
ing secretaries,  93. 

In  the  membership  of  the  Boards, 
92,  93. 
Versions  of  the  Psalms  : 

Amended,  236. 

New,  288. 

Prof.  A.  Jones',  244. 
Visitation : 

Of  the  sick.  70. 

Pastoral,  68,  70,  189. 

By  Ruling  Elders.  70. 
Vital  statistics.  297. 
Voting  in  the  Assembly.  72,  78. 

Waldensian  Church,  the,  340. 
War,  the  Civil.  294.  295. 
Warm  Springs  Indian  Mission: 

History  of.  191. 

Buildings  for.  191. 

Contract  for  the  schools,  191. 

Transfer    of,    to    the     Women's 
Board,  191. 

Regulat  ons  for,  192. 
Ways   and   Means,    permanent   com- 
mittee on,  131. 
Week  of  Prayer,  340. 

Day  for  temperance  in,  341. 
Weekly  contributions.  101.  3o4. 
Westminster    College,    memorial   of, 

151. 
Widows  of  foreign  missionaries,  162. 
Widows'  and  Orphans'  Fund.  206,  208. 
Wilson's  appeal.  199.  341. 
Will  of  Robert  Mackey,  336. 
Wine,    unfermented.     in     the     com- 
munion, 312. 
Witnesses  : 

Citation  of,  40. 

Form  of  citation  of,  56. 

Competency  of.  43. 

Credibility  "of,  43. 

Number  of,  43. 

Members  of  the  Court  as,  43. 

Separate  examination  of,  44. 

Purged  of  malice.  44. 

To  be  unHer  oath,  44. 

Form  of  oath.  57. 

Examination  of,  44. 

Testimony  of,  to  be  recorded  and 
attested,  44. 

Contumacy  of.  44. 

May   be    examined    by   commi.'i- 
sioners,  44. 
Women  as  deaconesses,  137. 
Women  to  be  employed  as  home  mis- 
sionaries, 190. 
Women's  Auxiliary  Board,  341. 

Organization  of,  341. 


Relation  to  Assembly  and  other 

Boards,  343. 
Foreign     medical     work     trans- 
ferred to,  165. 
Warm    Springs    Indian    mission 

transferred  to.  191. 
The    erection    of  parsonages   a.s- 
!  signed  to,  110. 

Women's  General  Missionary  Society, 

343. 
Organization  of,  343. 
Charter  of,  343. 
Relation  to  Assembly  and  Boards. 

343. 
Constitution  of.  342. 
Contributions  to.  paid  through  its 

own  agencies,  343, 
Women's  Missionary  Societies,  164, 
To  support  all  the  Boards,  342. 
Contributions     of,    to     be     paid 

through      their      Presbyterial 

treasurers,  343. 
Women's  part  in  public  religious  ex- 
ercises. 341. 
Woman's  temperance  movement,  314. 
Women's       Christian       Temperance 

Union.  344. 
Worship : 

Definition  of.  59. 

Object  of,  59. 

Seasons  for,  59. 

C)rdinances  of  public,  60. 

Order,  60. 

Reading  of  the  Scriptures,  60. 

Singing  of  praise,  60. 

Offering  of  prayer,  61. 

Preaching  the  word.  61. 

Administration  of  baptism,  62. 

Administration    of     the    Lord's 

Supper,  63. 
Pronouncing  the  benediction,  64. 
Ordinances  of  social,  65. 
Ordinances  of  family,  65. 
Ordinances  of  secret.  65. 
Ordinances  of  extraordinarj'.  66. 
Fasting,  66. 
Thanksgiving,  66. 
Covenanting,  67. 
Acts  of,  in  praise  defined,  344. 


Xenia.  Second  Church,  memorial  ol 
205. 


Tear,  close  of  the  statistical,  298. 
Young  Christian,  345. 
Young  People's  work.  345. 

Organization  of,  345. 

Permanent    committee    on.    131, 
345. 


Institute  for,  345.  I  Contributions    of,    to     be    made 

General  Secretary'  of,  345.  tbrouo:h  tbe  Boards,  108,  346. 

Constitution  for  Institute,  345.  ilusic  adapted  to,  92. 


